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HD Hyundai Heavy Industries Philippines Inc. launched its first locally constructed vessel from its Subic shipyard
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It comes less than a year since the formal opening of the facility in September 2025, signaling a major boost to the Philippines’ shipbuilding industry
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The massive vessel named Orion Jade also underscores the South Korean conglomerate’s strategy to establish a manufacturing base in Southeast Asia
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HHHI has partnered with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority to set up targeted training programs as it ramps up operations in Subic
HD Hyundai Heavy Industries Philippines Inc. (HHHI) has launched its first locally constructed vessel from its Subic shipyard, less than a year since the formal opening of the facility in September 2025.
The completion of the massive vessel named Orion Jade – measuring 250 meters in length, 42 meters in width, and 21 meters in depth – underscores the South Korean conglomerate’s broader strategy to establish a primary manufacturing hub in Southeast Asia as well as signals a major boost to the Philippines’ shipbuilding industry.
“Today’s launching marks a historic milestone for HHIP,” said the company’s president, Im Dae Jun. “Today we proudly celebrate another important step in our journey.”
Philippine Finance secretary Frederick Go said the project highlights government initiatives to translate investments into industrial operations.
“The launch of the Orion Jade is a testament to the Marcos Jr. administration’s efforts to attract strategic investments and ensure that these commitments materialize into projects that generate quality jobs, strengthen our industrial capabilities, and create meaningful economic opportunities for Filipinos,” Go said at the launching ceremony on July 28.
He cited that HHIP’s operations at the Agila Subic Shipyard has so far generated about 4,000 jobs, and employment opportunities are expected to increase as the company ramps up activities.
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To meet the manpower demand for the shipyard, HHIP has partnered with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority to set up targeted training programs.
The Department of Finance said this reflects continued efforts to develop a globally competitive workforce and attract investments that drive inclusive economic growth.
President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. led the inauguration of the shipyard on September 2 last year, with a symbolic steel-cutting ceremony that marked the start of a 115,000-ton petrochemical carrier project, the first of a four-vessel order placed by an Asia-based shipping company.
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