Shipbuilder proposes eased financial access for operators

For the Philippines to provide good and reliable inter-island transportation facilities, a good integration with boat operators and financial institution should be strongly formed.

This is the recommendation made by shipbuilding company Evercat Asia Inc., chairman Andrew S. Aznar following the government’s mandate to scrap all wooden vessels to ensure the security of passengers. The government is urging operators to utilize highly reliable and quality vessels that can withstand rough seas and unexpected weather disturbances.

Aznar said in the light of the Republic Act No, 9295 and its revised/amended IRR on all wooden-hulled ships carrying passengers in domestic shipping, which promotes the use of modern ship design and technologically improved alternative hull materials that are safe, resilient and environmentally-friendly, operators needs to be linked with financial institutions because purchasing these kinds of vessels need significant capitalization.

Existing boat operators especially the small-time players plying the inter-island routes mostly cannot afford to buy sturdy and weatherresistant vessels, which cost multi-million pesos.

An integration of financial institutions, cooperatives and the boat operators should be initiated to accelerate the bid of the Philippines to provide reliable sea transport system.

Small time operators join a cooperative for instance, in order for them to avail of banking loan facilities.

Marina wants to phase out old ships as part of modernizing the maritime industry.

Recently, the company held its ceremonial Keel Laying Ceremony at its facility at the Mactan Export Zone (MEZ-1) for the 130-passenger capacity CCCS-Sunriser II, the newest addition to the Cordova Inter-Island Shipping Inc.

Set to launch in May 2018, CCCS-Sunriser II will be the largest vessel designed and constructed via FRP technology in the Philippines. The acquisition of the vessel is funded by Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP), and should be replicated.

Although acquiring world-class vessels is a bit expensive, Aznar added that modern ships even those that are locally-made are fuel efficient. The company’s FRP (Fibre-reinforced plastic) passenger boats cuts fuel consumption by 50 percent.

Utilizing modern or smart vessels, should also be complemented with smart ports, Aznar added.

M. Dagooc