Hanjin Shipyard Unveils One of the World’s Biggest Vessels

While the news is focused on the completion of one of the world’s largest ship by Hanjin Heavy Industries & Construction Philippines Inc. (HHIC Phil), it also mentioned the inclusion of coast guard and naval vessels into its portfolio.

This means HHIC Philippines can now join and compete on ship projects for the Philippine Navy and Philippine Coast Guard, and benefit from a better pricing and employing Filipino builders as the ships would be built in local shipyards.

President Duterte hails the craftsmanship and hard work of Filipino workers for building CMA CGM Antoine de Saint Exupery, which he describes as a “gigantic and technologically superior vessel.” ALLAN MACATUNO

The 20,600 TEU (twenty-foot equivalent unit) class container vessel—400 meters long, 59 meters wide and 33 meters deep and named CMA CGM Antoine de Saint Exupery, after the French author—is considered the biggest commercial ship in the world today, according to its builder, Hanjin Heavy Industries and Construction-Philippines (HHIC-Phil Inc.).

President Duterte described the ship as a “gigantic and technologically superior vessel,” in a speech read for him by Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chair and Administrator Wilma Eisma during the launching ceremony here.

Mr. Duterte said the launching of the vessel underscored Hanjin’s “vital role in our country’s maritime industry.”

“So I expect HHIC-Phil to remain a pillar and partner in the growth of the Philippine maritime industry, especially now that our country is experiencing robust economic growth,” said Mr. Duterte, who is in India to attend a regional summit with leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

Mr. Duterte also called on Hanjin officials to protect the welfare of its workers. “For how else could you have expected the many vessels were it not for their craftsmanship and hard work? How else can you make good your order … if it were not for these Filipino workers?” he said in the speech.

“So I am telling you—take care of our people and we will take care of you,” he said.

Sen. Richard Gordon, who served as first SBMA chair and administrator, attended the launching, along with former President and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Pampanga Gov. Lilia Pineda, Zambales Gov. Amor Deloso and Olongapo City Mayor Rolen Paulino.

Gordon described the vessel as a “product of Korea and Filipino craftsmanship.”

Arroyo said Hanjin was among the companies that invested billions of dollars in the country during her term as President. She said Hanjin would “weather the next two years,” despite the challenges being faced by the shipbuilding industry.

The vessel

Subic Bay Freeport Zone: Hanjin Heavy Industries & Construction – Philippines (HHIC-Phil Inc.) has cemented its foothold in the highly competitive global shipbuilding industry, with the completion of its first-ever Subic-made 20,600 TEU class container vessel.

The vessel is considered as one of the biggest commercial ships in the world today as it measures 400 meters in length overall, 59 meters in width and 33 meters in depth. Highlighting its game changing role in the international shipping market, the mammoth container vessel could transport up to 20,950 units of 40 foot shipping container, which, when lined up, would reach 12.5 kilometers long. Its deck is as big as four football fields.

The newly-built vessel is the first of three 20,600 TEU class Ultra Large Container ships (ULCS) to be delivered by HHIC-Phil Inc. to French shipping magnate CMA CGM following the signing of the newbuilding contract in April 2015. Indeed, the daunting task of building such a huge vessel brought out the best in HHIC-Phil Inc. in terms of technology and innovation. Under the technical supervision of classification society Bureau Veritas, HHIC-Phil Inc. successfully carried out the construction of the vessel and the ship was launched in August 2017, and it successfully underwent sea trials in December 2017 to the full satisfaction of its proud owner.

According to HHIC-Phil Inc., beaming with pride and honor, “This newly-built 20,600 TEU  vessel proves, among others, the strength and capability of our Subic shipyard to manufacture in a timely manner mega ships of much higher quality tonnage that are now shaping the shipping landscape around the world”.
Recognizing the crucial role of the Philippine labor in the HHIC-Phil’s shipbuilding operations, the Company added “The dedication of our highly skilled Filipino workers towards excellence is the driving force behind whatever positive things we have achieved amid the global economic challenges”.
Having directly poured USD2.3 Billion worth of investments in the country, HHIC-Phil Inc. shares the vision of every Filipino of a much better Philippines. Since its maiden ship delivery in 2009, HHIC-Phil Inc. has exported a total of 113 ocean-going merchant ships worth more than USD6 Billion, catapulting the Philippines among the top five shipbuilding countries in the world.

“Working hand in hand with its business partners, HHIC-Phil Inc. will continue to raise the bar of excellence by upgrading our capacity to meet, and always be cognizant of, the ever growing demands of the industry stakeholders for cost efficient, environment-friendly and technologically advanced vessels”, the Company further stated.

HHIC-Phil Inc. is currently building a number of commercial ships of high grade specifications such as liquefied petroleum gas carriers and oil crude tankers besides ULCS. These newbuilding projects are expected to be completed and delivered the end of 2019.

Meanwhile, the HHIC-Phil Inc. has recently expanded its business activity, with the inclusion of coast guard and combat vessels in its product portfolio. With the anticipated approval by the Department of Defense, this latest endeavor of HHIC-Phil Inc. is expected to help boost the country’s maritime and defense capability in the future.

In line with its social corporate initiatives, HHIC-Phil’s Subic shipyard has been creating tens of thousands of job opportunities for the local residents over the years.

Job opportunities

“I’m hoping that Hanjin workers would continue to have good job opportunities. We all have to work together to keep the shipbuilding industry afloat,” she said.

The container vessel could transport up to 20,950 units of 40-foot shipping container, which, when lined up, would reach 12.5 kilometers long. Its deck is equivalent to four football fields.

The vessel is the first of three 20,600 TEU class ultra large container ships to be delivered by HHIC-Phil Inc. to French shipping magnate CMA CGM following the signing of the new building contract in April 2015.