Marcos wants PH to reclaim spot among world's great shipbuilding nations
The Philippines must begin reclaiming its spot among the world's great shipbuilding nations, President Marcos said, emphasizing that Filipinos have the skill and vision to make it possible.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. leads the inauguration ceremony of the Hyundai Shipyard in Subic, Zambales on Sept. 2, 2025.(RTVM)
"Ladies and gentlemen, today, we will begin reclaiming our rightful place among the world’s great shipbuilding nations," Marcos said as he led the inauguration ceremony of the Hyundai Shipyard in Subic, Zambales on Tuesday, Sept. 2.
Inaugurating the shipyard, Marcos further said, signals the revival of the Philippine shipbuilding industry.
"I am excited to see where this endeavor will take us," he said. "Together, let us show the world that Filipinos have the skills, the vision to navigate the uncertain waters of an ever-changing world."
"For decades, even centuries, the Philippines has given the world our finest seafarers. It is only fitting that we also supply the world with excellent vessels to sail on," Marcos added.
Reviving the country's shipbuilding industries would strengthen industries, thus promoting livelihood, the President said.
He cited that from 2014 to 2018, shipyards in the country were producing 1.2 to 2 million gross tons of ships—roughly around 20 oil tankers or 30 large container ships—annually.
However, starting in 2019, the output fell and the Philippines lost its momentum, he said.
"Today, we raise the sails once more. With Hyundai Heavy Industries investing in Subic, our shipyard capacity will significantly increase from 1.3 million to 2.5 million deadweight tons, from handling four to five massive oil tankers to about now eight of those ships," he noted.
This also means the country can accommodate vessels with higher volumes, boost export potential, and create more jobs for Filipino workers.
By 2030, the yard is expected to employ around 4,300 Filipinos, Marcos said.
HD Hyundai’s restart of large-scale shipbuilding in the Philippines leases 200 hectares from Agila Subic, a Cerberus portfolio company, for operations beginning January 2026.
The 10-year lease covers shipyard operations designed to support both offshore wind platform construction and vessel production.