Aboitiz bags Cebu shipyard expansion deal

Aboitiz Construction, Inc., the privately-held construction arm of the Aboitiz Group, was recently awarded the design and construction of expansion facilities for Australian shipbuilder Austal Philippines Pty Ltd. in Balamban, Cebu.

In a statement, Aboitiz said the new deal will further expand the company’s project pipeline this year.

The scope of this partnership includes civil and building works, electrical, and pre-fabrication of steel materials. A 670-man team is set to complete the set work by February, 2019.

Austal Philippines is an integral partner for the Austal Group in building revolutionary high-speed ships for governments, navies, and ferry and offshore operators around the world.

"This expansion will more than double the capability of the shipyard in terms of output and size of vessels it can manufacture. It will also generate hundreds of additional employment,” said Mitch Barnett, Austal Philippines project manager.

He added that, “with the rapid growth of Austal Philippines reputation and confidence from clients around the world, it is expected that the Philippines will become Austal’s center of excellence for commercial vessel manufacturing. Aboitiz Construction is playing a key role in helping us achieve this.”

In 2012, Austal bought its current shipyard and contracted Aboitiz Construction for refurbishment. The yard was also previously built by Aboitiz Construction.

“Once again, a repeat client has placed its trust in Aboitiz Construction. As a reliable contractor that upholds integrity, we will not fail them,” said Alberto A. Ignacio, Jr., Aboitiz Construction President and Chief Operating Officer.