The Bureau of Customs – Port of Cebu has approved for export a vessel made in Balamban, Cebu.

Cebu Customs District Collector Atty. Ricardo Morales II led the final inspection of the 66,000 deadweight metric tons (DWMT) bulk carrier at Tsuneishi Heavy Industries Inc. on 21 November 2023.

"I am delighted to see Tsuneishi recognizing and appreciating the dedication of Filipino skills and hands in the building, repair, and operation of their vessels. In the hands of Tsuneishi, Filipino craftsmanship shines brightly as it is one of the best in the shipbuilding industry worldwide, significantly contributing to the excellence that the maritime industry demands," Morales said

"Our partnership not only strengthens our economic ties but also reflects the high regard Japanese companies hold for our fellow Filipinos. It brings me great joy to learn that 10,000 Filipino families are uplifted through their employment at Tsuneishi. The impact goes beyond providing livelihoods; it positively influences the lives of these workers and their families. The economic stability brought about by meaningful employment fosters stronger communities and enhances the overall well-being of our people. Your recognition and appreciation of Filipino craftsmanship play a crucial role in showcasing the excellence that our skilled workforce brings to the global shipbuilding industry. The ripple effect of your commitment resonates in the growth and prosperity of our beloved community, reflecting the shared vision of a thriving and empowered society. Thank you for your dedication to upholding Filipino craftsmanship and for being a catalyst for positive change in the lives of many of my fellowmen," he stressed.

Tsuneishi Heavy Industries Inc. is a renowned medium-sized shipbuilder globally, and a key player in the maritime industry with shipyards located in Japan, China, and the Philippines. The shipyard located in Balamban, Cebu, spanning 150 hectares, is a joint venture between Tsuneishi Group-Japan and Cebu's Aboitiz Group.

The Balamban, Cebu shipyard is the company's biggest shipyard with a capacity of building ships weighing more than 100,000 deadweight metric tons. It is also at this shipyard that Tsuneishi's largest vessel to date, the MV Tenshu Maru, the first 180,000 deadweight metric ton type bulk carrier was built. In fact, nine units of this type have been delivered worldwide since 2010. The shipyard builds at least 20 cargo vessels annually for its customers worldwide and is fully booked for orders until 2027. This is a testament to the strong demand for Filipino craftsmanship in shipbuilding.

Tsuneishi has also been consistently awarded by the Philippine Economic Zone Authority(PEZA) as an Outstanding Exporter since 2012 and was included in the Hall of Fame for Outstanding Exporters for the Large Enterprise Category in 2014. In the same year, they received the Timonel Award for Outstanding Maritime Entity from the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA).

In 2016, Tsuneishi won its first Silver Anvil Award for Outstanding Public Relations Program on a Sustained Basis Community Development Category and was given the Special Citation for Economic Driver for Western Cebu by the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI).

During the final inspection of MV SYLVANER, with Morales were Mactan Subport Collector Gerardo Campo, Port of Cebu Piers and Inspection Division Chief Mariano David Luminarias Jr., BOC Mactan Economic Zone Chief Irvin Ho, Tsuneishi President Yasuaki Seto, and Tsuneishi Logistics Staff Vincent Managbanag.

The vessel is set to be delivered on 28 November 2023 and will be manned by an all-Filipino crew. The vessel is the 17th to be delivered in 2023.

DAILY TRIBUNE tried to interview Tsuneishi executives and Balamban Mayor Ace Binghay, but as of this writing, there were no replies yet.