President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday led in the naming and delivery of the world’s first methanol dual-fueled KAMSARMAX bulk carrier — a historic milestone in Philippine shipbuilding and sustainable maritime transport.

With the President were Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro and Aboitiz Group president and chief executive officer Sabin Aboitiz during ceremonies held at Aboitiz Infracapital Inc.’s West Cebu Estate in Balamban, Cebu, which is regarded as the country’s shipbuilding capital. 

The ceremony was held at the West Cebu Estate in Balamban, widely regarded as the country’s shipbuilding capital, where President Marcos formally christened the vessel Brave Pioneer.

Brave Pioneer

“I name this ship Brave Pioneer. May God bless her and all who sail on her,” the President said during the christening of the 229-meter vessel with a capacity of about 81,200 deadweight tons (DWT), officially known as KAMSARMAX Vessel SC-443.

In his speech, President Marcos said the delivery of the pioneering ship sends a strong signal to the global maritime industry.

“This achievement sends a clear message to the whole world: The Philippines is ready to lead in the global transition towards low-carbon and sustainable maritime transport,” he said.

The chief executive emphasized that the event was not only about the launch of a new vessel, but also a celebration of innovation and Filipino capability.

“This occasion not only celebrates the launching of a vessel; it is also a celebration of progress and of innovation. And above all, we celebrate the Filipino capacity to rise to the challenge of a rapidly changing world,” he added.

President Marcos highlighted the collaboration between Japan and the Philippines through the partnership of the Tsuneishi Group and the Aboitiz Group, noting that the project combined advanced ship design, skilled Filipino labor, and a strong domestic manufacturing base.

Product of bilateral cooperation

“While this project is a product of bilateral cooperation, it is also, and very importantly, a showcase of Filipino craftsmanship, ingenuity and competitiveness,” he said.

The Brave Pioneer is designed to significantly reduce harmful emissions, supporting global efforts to decarbonize the maritime industry. 

As the world’s first methanol dual-fueled KAMSARMAX bulk carrier, it can cut carbon dioxide emissions by 10 percent, nitrogen oxides by 80 percent, and sulfur oxides by 99 percent compared to conventional vessels.

Dual-fueled vessels are equipped with engines and fuel systems that allow them to operate using methanol or traditional marine fuels such as heavy fuel oil, providing flexibility while lowering environmental impact.

Marcos said the delivery of the vessel places the Philippines firmly on the map as a future-ready maritime manufacturing hub aligned with International Maritime Organization decarbonization targets and global sustainability standards.

Phl moves toward green shipping

“It is especially vital as we move towards green shipping — an approach that embraces cleaner fuels, optimized vessel design, improved energy management, and sustainable shipping corridors,” he said, noting that stricter global regulations will increase demand for low-emission and alternative-fuel vessels.