Tsuneishi delivers 133rd vessel to Kawasaki Kisen

CEBU, Philippines -  World’s renowned shipbuilding company, Tsuneishi Heavy Industries (Cebu) Inc. (THICI) delivered its 133rd second largest vessel to Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd., proudly made by Filipinos in a span of one year.

THICI located at the West Cebu Industrial Park in the town of Balamban, officially turned-over Tuesday, the 180,000-deadweight ton bulk carrier named “M/V Cape Sampagita,” in a traditional Japanese turnover ceremony.

Despite the fragile economic prospects in the world, THICI is fully-booked in orders until October of 2014. This year, the shipyard is targeting to build 18 vessels.

“We want to be among the best shipyards around the world,” said THICI president Hitoshi Kono.

THICI officials led by Kono turned over the vessel to Toshiro Sawada, president and chairman of the board of the Philippine Sinter Corporation.

The “M/V Cape Sampagita”, a US$50 million worth vessel, is ordered by Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd., the world’s 10th largest container transportation and shipping company. It owns and controls large cargo ships, container ships, container terminals, gas carriers, roll-on-roll-off ships, and tankers.

Since its establishment in 1994, THICI, a joint venture between Japanese-owned Tsuneishi Holdings, and Aboitiz & Co., Inc., built a total of 133 vessels. Another two ships are currently being built at the shipyard and due for delivery in the next few months.

In 2008, Tsuneishi reported US$886.813 million worth of exports in 2008. It delivered its 97th vessel in July 2008—the 58,000-deadweight tonnage Medi Segesta to Orient Line Co. Ltd. The P12-billion project was registered with the Board of Investments.

It is a joint venture between Japanese-owned Tsuneishi Holdings which holds 80-percent stake in the company, while Cebu-based Aboitiz & Co. Inc. owns the remaining 20 percent.

Tsuneishi, is the single largest employer in western Cebu. It maintain 6,065 contractual workers (most of whom are welders), and 400 regular employees. (FREEMAN)