The Philippine shipbuilding and ship repair industry situation report 1997

Abstract

This report presents a comprehensive overview of the Philippine shipbuilding and ship repair (SBSR) industry as of 1997, prepared by the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA). As an archipelagic nation dependent on maritime transport for 95% of its cargo and passenger movement, the Philippines requires a strong SBSR sector to support its domestic and international fleet. The report details the industry’s profile, including 253 licensed enterprises with facilities concentrated in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, and a workforce of nearly 35,000 skilled and technical personnel. It highlights the dominance of foreign-assisted large shipyards, the rise of ship construction for both domestic use and export, and the central role of ship repair activities due to regulatory requirements and regional demand. Issues such as low local demand for newbuildings, reliance on imported secondhand ships, inadequate ancillary industries, outdated facilities, and manpower challenges are discussed. Government policies, investment incentives, and private sector initiatives are outlined to address these constraints. Finally, the report emphasizes growth prospects in shipbuilding, repair, and shipbreaking, underscoring the industry’s potential to achieve international competitiveness through modernization, foreign partnerships, and research and development.