Tsuneishi Launches World’s First Methanol-Powered Kamsarmax Bulk Carrier at West Cebu Estate

SC 443, the world’s first methanol-powered Kamsarmax bulk carrier, was built at West Cebu Estate—marking a breakthrough for Filipino shipbuilding on the global stage

Tsuneishi Heavy Industries (Cebu), Inc. has once again pushed the boundaries of innovation in global shipbuilding with the successful launch of SC-443—an 81,200-metric ton, dual-fuel Methanol-Powered Kamsarmax Bulk Carrier bound for East Asia. As the first vessel of its kind in the world, this milestone underscores Tsuneishi’s commitment to pioneering cleaner shipping solutions and reinforces the Philippines’ role in shaping the future of maritime manufacturing.

​Assembled in April 2025 at West Cebu Estate, SC-443 is scheduled for deployment by January 2026. It is engineered to significantly reduce emissions—cutting carbon dioxide (CO₂) by 10%, nitrogen oxides (NOₓ) by 80%, and sulfur oxides (SOₓ) by 99% compared to conventional models. Methanol has emerged as a promising alternative fuel, aligned with the International Maritime Organization’s goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions from ships by at least 40% by 2030.
 
The KAMSARMAX vessel has been designed for exceptional versatility, featuring a shallow draft and low air draft to ensure compatibility with a wide range of global ports. With a length of 229 metres, the vessel is also capable of entering Kamsar Port in the Republic of Guinea. 1 The launch ceremony stood as a proud testament to the dedication, skill, and innovation of THI’s workforce, who continue to uphold the company’s reputation as a trusted name of in global shipbuilding.
 
“We remain firmly committed to our core principles of Safety, Stability, and Sustainability”, said Mr Yasuaki Seto, President of Tsuneishi Heavy Industries. “Through ongoing innovation and strong sense of environmental responsibility, we aim to lead the industry, deliver greater value to our clients, and drive positive change across the world.”
 
With more than three decades of operations at West Cebu Estate, Tsuneishi has launched nearly 400 ships and delivered over 370 vessels to destinations across the globe. Its enduring success is a powerful testament to Filipino craftsmanship—enabled by the estate’s robust infrastructure and integrated support ecosystem developed by Aboitiz InfraCapital’s Economic Estates.

As the Philippines’ first techglomerate, the Aboitiz Group is transforming industry through innovation. At West Cebu Estate—developed by Aboitiz InfraCapital—Tsuneishi Heavy Industries anchors a thriving maritime hub that has helped position the Philippines as the world’s 4th largest shipbuilder by gross tonnage. With its strategic location and smart infrastructure, the estate drives economic growth and exemplifies Aboitiz’s vision for smart, sustainable industrial development.

Spanning over 2,000 hectares of developed land, Aboitiz InfraCapital Economic Estates continues to drive positive economic impact, having generated 100,000 jobs, attracted over P167.4 billion in investments, and facilitated $54.75 billion in exports to date—further demonstrating the Philippines' competitive advantage in Southeast Asia.