The recent launch of Orion Jade, the first vessel constructed by HD Hyundai Heavy Industries Philippines (HHIP) in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone, marks a significant milestone in the country’s shipbuilding industry and underscores growing investor confidence under the CREATE MORE Law.
SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño announced the development during the ship launching ceremony held on July 28, 2026, at the Agila Subic Shipyard in Redondo Peninsula. Orion Jade is the first ship fully built in the facility and represents HHIP’s commitment to establishing Subic Bay Freeport as its primary manufacturing hub in Southeast Asia.
The vessel is a 115,000-tonne crude and oil tanker, measuring 250 meters in length, 42 meters in width, and 21 meters in depth. Its completion signals a vital expansion of the Philippines’ shipbuilding capabilities.
HHIP President Im Dae Jun led the launch ceremony, describing the occasion as a historic achievement for the Korean shipbuilding giant. The event was also attended by notable figures, including Republic of Korea Ambassador Lee Sang-hwa, Finance Secretary Frederick D. Go, Customs Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno, Botolan Mayor Jun Omar Ebdane, and Olongapo City Mayor Rolen Paulino Jr., who served as guests of honor.
Finance Secretary Go highlighted the launch as a clear indication of the Marcos Jr. administration’s success in attracting strategic investments. “The Orion Jade launch is a testament to our commitment to delivering projects that create quality jobs, enhance industrial capacity, and generate meaningful economic opportunities for Filipinos,” he said.
Chairman Aliño credited the CREATE MORE Law (Republic Act No. 12066) for enabling this investment breakthrough. The law reduces corporate income tax to 20%, streamlines local business taxes, and expedites VAT refunds, improving upon the original CREATE Act to create a more investor-friendly environment.
The ceremony took place on a 550-meter dry dock—the largest in the Philippines—which will allow HHIP to build at least ten ships annually starting next year.
Meanwhile, Korean Ambassador Sang-hwa emphasized the symbolic importance of a Filipino-built vessel, stating the launch reflects the deepening cooperation between Korea and the Philippines. He noted President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s vision to revive the nation’s status as a leading player in global shipbuilding.
“Maritime cooperation between our countries continues to grow, further strengthening mutual trust and sharing a promising future,” Ambassador Lee added.
Currently, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries Philippines employs approximately 4,000 workers at its Agila Subic Shipyard facility. The company has plans to expand its workforce to 7,000 as operations scale up under the Marcos Jr. administration’s supportive policies. The company offers competitive employee benefits, including free on-site accommodation, daily shuttle services, complimentary lunches, and comprehensive health coverage beginning on the first anniversary of employment.(
