Hanjin Heavy Phils. Delivers 2 New Bulk Carriers Worth US$12OM

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT ZONE – Hanjin Heavy Industries & Construction Co., Ltd – Philippines Inc. (HHIC-Phil) has achieved yet another remarkable milestone when it unveiled simultaneously its two newly-built 205,000 DWT Bulk Carriers at the company’s 300-hectare, state-of-the-art Subic shipyard recently.

The vessels “RTM Dampier” and “RTM Zheng He”, which was named after a British explorer and a Chinese navigator respectively, were the 3rd and 4th vessel purchased by shipping magnate Rio Tinto Shipping Limited from the Korean shipbuilding giant.

Last August, Hanjin also delivered the M/V RTM Cartier, named after a French explorer , and the M/V Cook, a 204,000 deadweight metric tons bulk carrier, to Rio Tinto in May 2012.

RTM Dampier and RTM Zheng He, whose homeport is London in the United Kingdom, measure 299.9 meters and valued approximately US$60 Million each.

HHIC-Phil senior officials, Rio Tinto top executives and ranking officers of the classification society Lloyd’s Register witnessed the event, which was capped by a rope cutting and champagne breaking rites.

In his ceremonial speech, HHIC-Phil President Jin Kyu Ahn commended the mutual partnership between Hanjin and Rio Tinto that resulted in the successful and timely completion of the two vessels.

“This momentous occasion further affirms our Filipino workforce competitiveness in the global shipbuilding”, Mr. Ahn added.

Mr. Tom Albanese, chief executive officer of Rio Tinto, lauded HHIC-Phil’s high-tech facilities and its excellent feat in shipbuilding within a short period of time that gainfully benefited his company.

Including these two new ships, HHIC-Phil has already delivered a total of 42 vessels ranging from containership ships, oil tankers to bulk carriers to various international shipping companies worldwide since the delivery of its first ever Subic-made vessel in 2008.

From 2008 to 2011, Hanjin garnered Php 128 Billion worth of export sales, making it a major contributor in the Philippines’ export portfolio.

To cushion the impact of the still depressed shipbuilding market triggered by world financial crisis on its core business, Hanjin will embark soon on ship repair by maximizing its Subic shipyard’s capabilities to offer high quality services to the maritime industry.

To date, Subic shipyard employs more than 19,000 individuals mostly coming from Olongapo City, Subic municipality, provinces of Zambales, Bataan and Pampanga, and other regions across the country. Hanjin continues to generate business opportunities in the neighboring communities, thereby propelling the revitalization of the local economy critical in nation building.

Hanjin operates a modern Skills Development Center located at SBMA’s Industrial Park that continues to hone the shipbuilding skills of its workforce. Since the inauguration of its training center in 2006, the company has catered to more than 39,000 Filipino trainees, thus helping in the National Government’s effort of promoting technical and vocational education in the country. (Manila Bulletin)

PHOTO:
HANJIN DELIVERS 2 SUBIC-MADE VESSELS – HHIC-Phil. President Jin Kyun Ahn (5th from right, 1st row) and Rio Tinto CEO Tom Albanese (9th from left, 1st row) stand beside the two vessels,“RTM Dampier” and “RTM Zheng He”, each worth about US$60 million.