Tsuneishi delivers 1st Methanol Dual-fuelled KAMSARMAX, PBBM names it "Brave Pioneer"

BALAMBAN, Cebu -- TSUNEISHI-Cebu delivered the World’s First Methanol Dual-Fuelled KAMSARMAX Bulk Carrier and was named “BRAVE PIONEER” by H.E. President of the Republic of the Philippines, Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on January 15 at the naming ceremony at the Tsuneishi Heavy Industries Inc, in Balamban, Cebu.

“We are extremely proud to have completed and delivered the world's first methanol dual-fuelled KAMSARMAX bulk carrier at THI. This achievement is the culmination of many years of design expertise, shipbuilding technology and collective efforts of the TSUNEISHI Group’s Shipbuilding Segment,” OKUMURA Sachio, Representative Director, President & Executive Officer of TSUNEISHI SHIPBUILDING Co., Ltd. said at the naming event.

Sachio bared that decarbonization will become an ever more critical issue for the maritime industry in the years ahead. Realizing the construction of methanol dual-fuelled vessels at Tsuneishi’s overseas base represents an important step towards establishing mass-production capabilities for environmentally advanced vessels, and strengthens its ability to respond flexibly and swiftly to the evolving needs of our global customer.

“This milestone marks a significant step forward in THI’s efforts to advance sustainable shipbuilding and support the decarbonization of the maritime industry. By adopting methanol as a propulsion fuel, the vessel achieves a reduction of approximately 10% in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, 80% in nitrogen oxides (NOx), and 99% in Sulphur oxide (SOx) during operations compared with conventional vessels. The use of green methanol further enhances the vessel’s potential to reduce environmental impact and promote environmentally responsible shipping,” Sachio explained.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., in his message notes that the Philippines is ready to lead in the global transition towards low-carbon and sustainable maritime transport and this event not only celebrates the launching of a vessel; it is also a celebration of progress and of innovation. And above all, we celebrate the Filipino capacity to rise to the challenge of a rapidly changing world.

“The KAMSARMAX Vessel SC-443 is designed to significantly reduce emission of carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and sulfur oxides.  It places the Philippines firmly on the map as a future-ready maritime manufacturing hub—aligned with International Maritime Organization decarbonization targets and global sustainability standards,” the president said.

Marcos added that it is especially vital as the country moves towards green shipping, an approach that embraces cleaner fuels, optimized vessel design, improved energy management, and sustainable shipping corridors.  They are concrete steps towards protecting our environment while continuing to grow the economy.

The World's first methanol-powered Kamsarmax bulk carrier is significant because it aligns with International Maritime Organization's goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions from ships by at least 40% by 2030 and that this also demonstrates the Philippines' capability in shipbuilding and commitment to sustainable maritime industry.

“We are one of the world’s largest shipbuilding nations,” Marcos said that as of November 2025, we have over 130 registered shipyards nationwide employing over 11,000 workers and 70 percent of whom are skilled professionals such as welders and fitters.

In 2024, the country constructed 484 vessels, from fishing boats to passenger and cargo ships. This only shows that this industry continues to be vibrant, dynamic, and is growing. “This Administration also remains fully committed to strengthening the shipbuilding and ship repair industry by enhancing its competitiveness, sustainability, and strategic capacity,” Marcos said.

“May the delivery of this methanol-fueled KAMSARMAX vessel stand as a symbol of what we can achieve when innovation meets purpose.  Because as global regulations become stricter, the demand for low-emission and alternative-fuel vessels will only grow. Philippine shipyards that can deliver these vessels gain access to premium international markets,” the President added. (Photos: RTVM/FB/Google Images)