Tsuneishi Heavy Industries (Cebu) Inc., a joint venture between Japan’s Tsuneishi Shipbuilding Co. Ltd. and the Aboitiz Group, has delivered the world’s first methanol-powered Kamsarmax bulk carrier, a shift toward higher-value manufacturing in the Philippine maritime sector.

The vessel, named the M/V Brave Pioneer, marks the 381st delivery for the shipbuilder’s operations in the province of Cebu. The 81,200-metric-ton bulk carrier has completed all quality, safety, and performance certifications and has commenced its maiden voyage to East Asia, according to a statement from the Aboitiz Group.

The delivery underscores the Philippines' position as the world’s fourth-largest shipbuilder by gross tonnage, a ranking anchored by the decades-long presence of foreign shipbuilders at the West Cebu Estate.

The M/V Brave Pioneer represents a critical step in the maritime industry’s broader push toward decarbonization. As a dual-fuel vessel, it is engineered to run on methanol, a cleaner alternative to traditional heavy fuel oil.

Tsuneishi reported that the ship is designed to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 10 percent, nitrogen oxides by up to 80 percent, and sulfur oxides by as much as 99 percent. The environmental benefits could be further enhanced if the vessel utilizes green methanol, which is produced from renewable sources.

The vessel was formally revealed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who has prioritized the development of innovation-driven manufacturing to bolster the country’s industrial base.

Government officials view the delivery as evidence that Filipino engineering and technical discipline can support the complex requirements of global shipping markets.

The Kamsarmax design itself is highly specialized, featuring a length of 229 meters and a shallow draft that allows it to access a wide range of global ports, including the restrictive Kamsar Port in the Republic of Guinea.

Aboitiz Group President and Chief Executive Officer Sabin M. Aboitiz said the partnership has transformed the municipality of Balamban into the country’s shipbuilding capital. T

he presence of Tsuneishi has fostered a local ecosystem of suppliers and skilled labor, enabling the Philippines to compete in a market traditionally dominated by China, South Korea, and Japan.

While the specific contract price for the M/V Brave Pioneer was not disclosed, high-specification bulk carriers of this class typically command valuations in the billions of pesos, reflecting the significant capital investment involved in West Cebu’s operations.

Okumura Sachio, President and Executive Officer of Tsuneishi Shipbuilding, said the achievement is the culmination of years of design expertise and technological integration. For Tsuneishi, the Cebu facility remains a cornerstone of its global strategy as it seeks to meet tightening international regulations on vessel emissions.

The successful deployment of the Brave Pioneer suggests that the Philippines will remain a competitive hub for the next generation of eco-friendly commercial shipping.