Hanjin Philippines launches second newbuilding

South Korean shipbuilder Hanjin Heavy Industries Corp.-Philippines in Subic Bay, has recently completed its second container ship, named CMA CGM Turquoise, with a market value of over $60 million.

Hanjin completed the ship just over a month after delivering its first order, the Argolikos, to its Greek owner. The new 4,300 TEU container vessel was towed from Hanjin?s Drydock 5 to the shipyard?s outfitting quay for completion prior to its sea trials in three months time. The vessel will be delivered to Dioryx Maritime Corp., the Greek shipping company that bought Argolikos. CMA CGM Turquoise is part of the 16 container vessels scheduled for completion in the free port zone.

Hanjin officials said productivity in the shipyard was fast catching up with South Korea ?s. “Filipinos learn fast – now they are experts,” said Hanjin quality assurance director Yoonha Kim. He said Filipino workers displayed “world-class efficiency” in hull construction and engine installation for the Turquoise within the standard Hanjin timetable of 13 months. Kim said the completion of the second vessel showed the increased efficiency and technical know-how of Filipino workers compared with the construction of the Argolikos, which took 14 months.

“Our goal is to be at par with our South Korean counterparts in terms of efficiency and quality of work,” Kim said during the launch.