Philippines: Hanjin Heavy Launches Two Cargo Ships in Subic

Two cargo vessels were blessed and inaugurated at the Hanjin Heavy Industries on Saturday.

The MV Star Borealis and the MV Star Polaris.

Some 20,000 Filipino workers were involved in the assembly of the two vessels in the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) shipyard.

Korean company Hanjin Heavy Industries said the assembly was finished in record time.

Last year, they were able to produce 10 ships, helping put the Philippines on the map as the 4th leading country in shipbuilding in the world.

Hanjin believes the industry can go further in the country.

“[Hanjin] is one of the biggest foreign investors sa atin ngayon e. Nagpasok na ito ng $1.6 billion,” said SBMA Chairman Roberto Garcia.

They intend to expand their operations as the SBMA has already reserved 200 hectares for added facilities.

“Filipino workers’ skill is very much upgraded,” said Taek Kyun Yoo, managing director, external trade team of Hanjin Heavy Industries.

While Hanjin has encountered a number of deadly accidents in the past, the company said they have been more careful since, adding that there were no mishaps in making the two new ships.

“We strictly comply with all the safety rules,” said Yoo.

Workers are also made to undergo a 3-month training course before starting work to avoid accidents.

If the expansion of Hanjin pushes through, the country’s ranking in the world’s leading shipbuilders might even go higher.

By Niko Baua (ABS-CBNnews)