Aussie shipbuilder raises stake in PH

Australia-based global ship building company Austal is raising its stake in the Philippine shipbuilding industry by expanding its shipyard in Balamban, Cebu, to be able to manufacture larger sea vessels.

Aboitiz Construction Inc., the privately held construction arm of the Aboitiz Group, recently bagged the contract to design and construct the expansion facilities for Austal Philippines Pty Ltd.

“This expansion will more than double the capability of the shipyard in terms of output and size of vessels it can manufacture. It will also generate hundreds of additional employment,” said Mitch Barnett, Austal Philippines project manager.

“With the rapid growth of Austal Philippines’ reputation and confidence from clients around the world, it is expected that the Philippines will become Austal’s center of excellence for commercial vessel manufacturing. Aboitiz Construction is playing a key role in helping us achieve this,” Barnett added.

In a statement, Aboitiz Construction said the scope of its partnership with Austal included civil and building works, electrical, and pre-fabrication of steel materials.

A 670-man team is set to complete the work by February 2019.

Austal Philippines is an integral partner for the Austal Group in building revolutionary high-speed ships for governments, navies, and ferry and offshore operators around the world.

In 2012, Austal bought the shipyard in Cebu from Aboitiz affiliate FBMA Marine as part of its strategy to regionalize its manufacturing base for commercial vessels.