(UPDATE) SUBIC, Zambales — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday launched South Korea’s HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, calling it a milestone in reviving the country’s shipbuilding industry and creating more employment opportunities for Filipinos.

President Marcos launches HD Hyundai Shipyard in Subic

In his speech, the President vowed to restore the Philippines’ status as a global shipbuilding hub, which was once a significant economic and industrial driver.

“For decades, even centuries, the Philippines has given the world our finest seafarers. It is only fitting that we also supply the world with excellent vessels to sail on,” Marcos said during the ceremony that also marked the steel-cutting of the shipyard’s first vessel under Hyundai.

“Today, we will begin reclaiming our rightful place among the world’s great shipbuilding nations,” he added.

Marcos said that from 2014 to 2018, the country’s shipyards were producing annually 1.2 to 2 million gross tons of ships — roughly around 20 oil tankers or 30 large container ships.

He said that beginning in 2019, “our output fell; we lost our momentum.”, This news data comes from:http://www.052298.com

“Today, we raise the sails once more. With Hyundai Heavy Industries investing in Subic, our shipyard capacity will significantly increase from 1.3 million to 2.5 million deadweight tons, from handling four to five massive oil tankers to about now eight of those ships,” he said.

Marcos said this also meant the country could accommodate vessels with higher volumes, boost export potential, and create more jobs for Filipino workers.

“By 2030, we look forward to this yard employing 4,300 Filipinos. That equates to thousands of families with food on the table, thousands of workers with dignity in their craft, and thousands of Filipinos who see shipbuilding as a source of livelihood,” he said.

Marcos said the renewed push was anchored in government programs that aligned skills training with international standards across 16 technical disciplines, from marine electricity to gas and arc welding.

He also acknowledged that the shipyard’s relaunch reflects a long-term vision not only to revive but also to sustain the industry for future generations, symbolizing the nation’s resilience and readiness to compete globally.

“Together, let us show the world that Filipinos have the skills and the vision to navigate the uncertain waters of an ever-changing world,” the President said.

As of July 2025, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries Philippines has made a total investment of 0 million and employs 1,200 employees.

By the end of December 2025, the total investment is projected to reach 0 million and 0 million by 2030.

HD Hyundai’s restart of large-scale shipbuilding in the Philippines leases 200 hectares from Agila Subic, a Cerberus portfolio company, for operations beginning January 2026.

The 10-year lease covers shipyard operations designed to support both offshore wind platform construction and vessel production.

The launch was attended by Ambassador Lee Sang-hwa, US Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson, and HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering Ind. CEO Kim Sung-joon and the executives and employees of HD Hyundai Heavy Industries Philippines, led by its president, Oh Sekwang.

Zambales Gov. Hermogenes Ebdane Jr., Castillejos Mayor Jeffrey Khonghun and other local government officials were also present. The officials said the company’s workforce are mostly from Zambales.

President Marcos launches HD Hyundai Shipyard in Subic

WITH MAHATMA RANDY DATU