Shipbuilding, repair bills backed

MANILA, Philippines — Forty-five shipyard industry stakeholders have expressed their support for the passage of bills that will help create jobs and position the country as a global hub for shipbuilding and ship repair, the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) recently announced.

In a statement, the Marina said 45 shipyard industry stakeholders signed a manifesto last Aug. 14 stating their full support to the immediate passage of the Shipbuilding and Ship Repair (SBSR) Development Bills.

“We affirm our commitment to contribute to the growth of the Philippine maritime industry and call on our policymakers to prioritize the enactment of this crucial legislation,” Marina said.

The stakeholders are referring to the SBSR twin bills – the SBSR Development Bill and the SBSR Fiscal Incentives Bill.

These bills are expected to foster a viable shipbuilding, ship repair, boatbuilding, ship recycling sector that will support the Philippine Ship Registry and to ensure the seaworthiness of all vessels.

This would also attract capital and increase investments by creating a competitive and sustainable business environment for SBSR operations; and will provide adequate fiscal and non-fiscal incentives that would stimulate the industry’s growth.

Marina also said that the passage and implementation of these twin bills would help enhance the capabilities and skills of the Filipino shipyard workforce in line with evolving technologies.

The proposed legislation would also promote the development and sustainability of green-inspired shipyards, ships and jobs.

The Philippines is reportedly recognized as a leading nation in shipbuilding, with 805,938 gross tonnage of vessels produced in 2024.

However, Marina said 66 percent of the 408 shipyards need to undergo rehabilitation.

About 95 percent of these shipyards reportedly only do local repair and maintenance while the remaining five percent of these companies, which are mostly foreign-owned shipyards, build ships for export.