CEBU has solidified its status as a global leader in shipbuilding innovation with the launch of the SC-443, an 81,200-metric-ton dual-fuel Methanol-Powered Kamsarmax Bulk Carrier by Tsuneishi Heavy Industries (Cebu) Inc. (THI).
The SC-443 is the first vessel of its kind in the world, marking a major milestone in cleaner shipping technologies. It underscores Tsuneishi’s commitment to sustainable innovation and reinforces the Philippines’ critical role in the future of maritime manufacturing.
Assembled in April 2025 at Aboitiz InfraCapital’s West Cebu Estate in Balamban, Cebu, the vessel is scheduled to embark on its maiden voyage in January 2026.
Engineered for substantial emission reductions, the SC-443 is expected to cut carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by 10 percent, nitrogen oxides (NO2) by 80 percent and sulfur oxides (SO2) by 99 percent compared to conventional bulk carriers. Methanol, the vessel’s alternative fuel source, aligns with the International Maritime Organization’s target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions from ships by at least 40 percent by 2030.
According to Tsuneishi, the Kamsarmax vessel has been designed for exceptional versatility, featuring a shallow draft and low air draft to ensure compatibility with a wide range of global ports. With a length of 229 meters, the vessel is also capable of entering Kamsar Port in the Republic of Guinea.
The vessel was launched on Thursday, July 17, at Slipway No. 2 at THI. The launch ceremony stood as a proud testament to the dedication, skill and innovation of THI’s workforce, who continue to uphold the company’s reputation as a trusted name in global shipbuilding.
“We remain firmly committed to our core principles of safety, stability and sustainability,” said Yasuaki Seto, president of THI. “Through ongoing innovation and a strong sense of environmental responsibility, we aim to lead the industry, deliver greater value to our clients and drive positive change across the world.”
With more than 30 years of operations in West Cebu Estate, Tsuneishi has launched nearly 400 ships and delivered over 370 vessels worldwide, helping position the Philippines as the world’s fourth-largest shipbuilder by gross tonnage.
Tsuneishi’s long-standing presence in Cebu is supported by the robust infrastructure and integrated ecosystem within Aboitiz InfraCapital’s Economic Estates.
West Cebu expansion
In a separate media gathering, Aldwin Chester Dumago, head of Cebu Operations at Aboitiz InfraCapital Economic Estates, announced that the 30-hectare expansion of West Cebu Estate is now 90 percent complete. He said the growth reflects strong investor confidence in the province and the region’s rising appeal as an investment destination.
“Companies are now looking beyond traditional city centers to bring in investments and create employment in the countryside. This is how we promote inclusive growth,” Dumago said.
Aboitiz’s economic estates — in Batangas (Lima Estate), Cebu (MEZ2 and West Cebu Estates) and Central Luzon (Tari Estate) — have more than 2,000 hectares of developed land. These estates have generated over 100,000 jobs, attracted P167.4 billion in investments and facilitated $54.75 billion in exports, showcasing the Philippines’ competitive edge in Southeast Asia. / KOC