'Historic milestone'

"Today, as we witness the delivery of the world's first methanol dual-fuel KAMSARMAX bulk carrier, we mark a historic milestone for Philippine shipbuilding," Marcos said in his address.

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He stressed that the project is more than the launching of a vessel, calling it a celebration of progress, innovation, and Filipino capability in a rapidly changing global industry.

Industry sources describe a bulk carrier, or bulker, as a large merchant ship designed to transport unpackaged, dry bulk cargo like grain, coal, and iron ore.

FILIPINO CRAFTSMANSHIP

Marcos highlighted the collaboration between Tsuneishi Group of Japan and the Aboitiz Group, describing it as a partnership that brings together advanced ship design, skilled Filipino labor, and a strong domestic manufacturing base.

"While this project is a product of bilateral cooperation, it is also, very importantly, a showcase of Filipino craftsmanship, ingenuity, and competitiveness," he said.

"It proves once again that what is made in the Philippines can stand shoulder to shoulder with the best anywhere in the world," the President emphasized.

This lone carrier is designed to significantly reduce harmful emissions, cutting around 10-percent of carbon dioxide (CO2), 80-percent of nitrogen oxides (NOx), and 99-percent of sulfur oxides (SOx) compared with conventional vessels.

In Aboitiz's Inc. official statement, the use of methanol, particularly green methanol-positions the vessel as a future-ready solution aligned with International Maritime Organization (IMO) decarbonization targets.