The Bureau of Customs Port of Cebu District Collector Atty. Ricardo Uy Morales II, CESE, conducted the final inspection of a 66,000 deadweight metric ton (DWMT) bulk carrier built by Tsuneishi Heavy Industries Inc. on November 21, 2023. This was a significant event that demonstrated the commitment to border protection and trade facilitation.

Tsuneishi Heavy Industries Inc. is a global leader in medium-sized shipbuilding, with shipyards in Japan, China, and the Philippines. The Philippine shipyard, located in Balamban, Cebu, covers 150 hectares and is a joint venture between Tsuneishi Group-Japan and Cebu’s Aboitiz Group. It is the company’s largest shipyard, capable of building ships over 100,000 DWMT. It is also where the company’s biggest vessel, the MV Tenshu Maru, the first 180,000 DWMT type bulk carrier, was built. Since 2010, nine units of this type have been delivered worldwide. The shipyard produces at least 20 cargo vessels every year for its global customers and has orders until 2027. This shows the high demand for Filipino craftsmanship in shipbuilding.

The company has also received numerous awards from the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA), the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), and the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry for its outstanding performance as an exporter, a maritime entity, a public relations program, and an economic driver for Western Cebu.

The key to Tsuneishi’s success is the exceptional skill and dedication of its Filipino workforce, which consists of more than 10,000 Filipino shipbuilders and seafarers. Tsuneishi not only provides livelihoods for these individuals and their families, but also creates a positive impact on the community, fostering economic development and social responsibility.

District Collector Atty. Morales led the final inspection, together with Mactan Subport Collector Gerardo A. Campo, Port of Cebu Piers and Inspection Division Chief Mariano David R. Luminarias Jr., BOC Mactan Economic Zone Chief Mr. Irvin Ho, Tsuneishi President Mr. Yasuaki Seto, and Tsuneishi Logistics Staff Mr. Vincent Managbanag. They carefully inspected the 66,000-DWMT bulk carrier named the MV SYLVANER, which will be delivered on November 28, 2023, and will be operated by an all-Filipino crew. This vessel is the 17th vessel to be delivered in 2023.

District Collector Atty. Morales congratulated Tsuneishi Heavy Industries Inc., saying, “I am pleased to see Tsuneishi acknowledging and valuing the dedication of Filipino skills and hands in the construction, maintenance, and operation of their vessels. Tsuneishi showcases the Filipino craftsmanship as one of the best in the world, making a significant contribution to the excellence that the maritime industry requires.”

District Collector Atty. Morales also expressed his gratitude to Tsuneishi, saying, “Our partnership not only enhances our economic relations but also reflects the high respect Japanese companies have for our fellow Filipinos. It makes me very happy to know that 10,000 Filipino families are empowered by their employment at Tsuneishi. The impact goes beyond providing livelihoods; it positively influences the lives of these workers and their communities.”