SUBIC BAY FREEPORT – HD Hyundai Heavy Industries Philippines (HHIP) formally launched Orion Jade, the first vessel built by its Filipino workforce in Agila Subic Shipyard at the Redondo Peninsula on July 28, marking a significant milestone in the country’s shipbuilding sector and reinforcing the Philippines’ position as an emerging maritime manufacturing and investment destination.
The vessel-launching ceremony brought together national government officials, Led by Deparment of Finance Secretary Frederick Go, SBMA Chairman and Administrator Engr. Eduardo Jose L. aliño, South Korean Ambassador to the Philippines Lee Sang-hwa, industry executives, and business leaders, underscoring the growing economic partnership between the Philippines and the Republic of Korea and the increasing confidence of global investors in the country.
Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño described the launch as a defining moment in the revival of the Philippine shipbuilding industry, saying the investment strengthens Subic Bay’s transformation into a leading maritime, logistics, and industrial hub in the Indo-Pacific.
“The launch of Orion Jade represents more than the completion of a vessel. It symbolizes the resurgence of Philippine shipbuilding and the continued economic revitalization of Subic Bay,” Aliño said. He assured HHIP of SBMA’s sustained commitment to providing a stable, efficient, and investor-friendly business environment to support the company’s long-term expansion.
Department of Finance Secretary Frederick D. Go said the successful completion of the vessel reflects the Marcos administration’s efforts to attract high-value foreign direct investments that generate employment and strengthen domestic manufacturing capabilities.
Go noted that HHIP has already created nearly 4,000 jobs, with employment expected to double as operations expand. He added that the Subic shipyard is targeting the construction of at least ten vessels annually beginning next year, positioning the Philippines as a competitive player in global shipbuilding.
Republic of Korea Ambassador Lee Sang-hwa said the launch highlights the deepening strategic and economic partnership between the two countries. He emphasized that shipbuilding supports a broad industrial ecosystem by strengthening manufacturing capabilities, creating high-quality jobs, and advancing technological development.
The ambassador also cited the Subic shipyard as a strategic asset under the Luzon Economic Corridor, saying investments such as HHIP contribute to building industries and infrastructure that will drive the Philippines’ long-term economic growth.
For his part, HHIP President Im Dae-jun attributed the successful completion of Orion Jade to the dedication of the company’s Filipino workforce and the strong collaboration among the Philippine government, customers, suppliers, and business partners.
He said the vessel represents another milestone in HHIP’s commitment to expanding shipbuilding operations in the country while delivering world-class vessels for the global market.
The launch of Orion Jade is expected to further strengthen investor confidence in Subic Bay, enhance the country’s industrial competitiveness, and accelerate the development of the Philippines as a regional center for shipbuilding and advanced maritime manufacturing.