Tsuneishi launches world’s first methanol-powered bulk carrier

CEBU CITY--Tsuneishi Heavy Industries Inc. has launched an 81,200-metric ton, dual fuel methanol-powered Kamsarmax Bulk Carrier bound for East Asia.

Considered first of its kind in the world, SC-443 was assembled in April 2025 at the West Cebu Estate, a 540-hectare PEZA-registered Special Economic Zone located in Balamban town, west of Cebu, known as shipbuilding capital of the Philippines.

It is scheduled for deployment by January 2026. In a statement, SC-443 is engineered to significantly reduce emissions—cutting carbon dioxide (CO₂) by 10 percent, nitrogen oxides (NOₓ) by 80 percent, and sulfur oxides (SOₓ) by 99 percent compared to conventional models. 

SC 443, the world’s first methanol-powered Kamsarmax bulk carrier, was built at West Cebu Estate, in Balamban town, Cebu. /Contributed photo

Methanol has emerged as a promising alternative fuel, aligned with the International Maritime Organization’s goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions from ships by at least 40 percent by 2030.

With more than three decades of operations at West Cebu Estate, Tsuneishi has launched nearly 400 ships and delivered over 370 vessels to destinations across the globe. 

Its success is a powerful testament to Filipino craftsmanship—enabled by the estate’s robust infrastructure and integrated support ecosystem developed by Aboitiz InfraCapital’s Economic Estates.

As the Philippines’ first techglomerate, the Aboitiz Group is transforming industry through innovation. 

At West Cebu Estate—developed by Aboitiz InfraCapital—Tsuneishi Heavy Industries anchors a thriving maritime hub that has helped position the Philippines as the world’s 4th largest shipbuilder by gross tonnage. 

With its strategic location and smart infrastructure, the estate drives economic growth and exemplifies Aboitiz’s vision for smart, sustainable industrial development.

Spanning over 2,000 hectares of developed land, Aboitiz InfraCapital Economic Estates continues to drive positive economic impact, having generated 100,000 jobs, attracted over ₱167.4 billion in investments, and facilitated $54.75 billion in exports to date—further demonstrating the Philippines' competitive advantage in Southeast Asia. 

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Connie Fernandez-Brojan
Connie Fernandez-Brojan

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