President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday led the naming and delivery ceremony of the world’s first methanol dual-fueled KAMSARMAX bulk carrier, marking a milestone for Philippine shipbuilding and the country’s role in sustainable maritime transport.
The ceremony was held at the West Cebu Estate in Balamban, widely regarded as the country’s shipbuilding capital, where the President formally christened the vessel Brave Pioneer.
“I name this ship Brave Pioneer. May God bless her and all who sail on her,” Marcos 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, the President 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.
Marcos emphasized that the event was not only about launching 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.
The President 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.
“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.
Designed to significantly reduce harmful emissions, the Brave Pioneer supports global efforts to decarbonize the maritime industry.
As the world’s first methanol dual-fueled KAMSARMAX bulk carrier, the vessel can cut carbon dioxide emissions by 10 percent, nitrogen oxides by 80 percent, and sulfur oxides by 99 percent compared with conventional ships.
Dual-fueled vessels are equipped with engines and fuel systems that allow them to operate on methanol or traditional marine fuels such as heavy fuel oil, providing operational 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.
“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.
The President added that shipyards capable of producing green vessels stand to gain access to premium international markets and new sources of financing.
“Green vessels also open doors to sustainability-linked loans, green bonds, and climate finance, bringing new investment into our shipbuilding sector,” he said, adding that the shift would spur growth in related industries such as advanced marine components, coatings, materials, and energy-efficient systems.
The KAMSARMAX SC-443 was launched on July 17, 2025, in Balamban, Cebu, by Tsuneishi Heavy Industries Inc., a joint venture between Japan’s Tsuneishi Group and the Philippines’ Aboitiz Group.