Spanish firms eye vessel, maritime investments in the Philippines

The Board of Investments (BOI) met with a delegation of Spanish companies seeking to supply modern vessels and expand technical services in the Philippines, as the government pushes maritime infrastructure development and defense modernization.

Trade Undersecretary and BOI Managing Head Ceferino S. Rodolfo led the discussions with three Spain-based firms—GEOMYTSA, PROES Consultores, and AISTER Aluminium Shipyard—on 3 October 2025, all of which collectively expressed strong interest in investing and partnering with Philippine counterparts across marine engineering, port development, and defense-related shipbuilding.

The Spanish group presented capabilities covering marine geophysics, coastal and port engineering, renewable energy support facilities, and aluminum vessel manufacturing. BOI, in turn, outlined incentive mechanisms and fast-track permitting through the Green Lane program under EO 18, as well as potential eligibility under the Self-Reliance Defense Posture (SRDP) Act.

The agency also highlighted strategic investment opportunities including the rehabilitation of shipyards, naval base development, offshore wind port facilities, and subsea cable landing areas, citing growing demand from the country’s renewable energy expansion and modernization programs.

Spanish firms emphasized their readiness to support the Philippines in areas such as hydrographic surveying, port and terminal design, offshore wind supply ports, and high-speed aluminum vessels—ranging from patrol boats to search-and-rescue platforms—reflecting their experience with the Spanish Navy and Guardia Civil.

The BOI assured investors it would facilitate connections with relevant agencies and stakeholders as the country prioritizes enhanced maritime capability and infrastructure under its long-term development agenda.