Hanjin launches largest Philippine built tanker

The $68-million oil tanker named Leyla K is owned by Turkish shipping company Kaptanoglu. The 114,000 dwt newbuilding has a length of 250m, breadth of 44m and speed of 15 knots.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) chairman Feliciano Salonga said the production of the first oil tanker marked a new era for Subic. “Subic Bay Freeport is now in the big league of shipbuilding,” he said. Hanjin Senior Executive Vice-President Hyun Soo Bong said the launching was a meaningful event for the shipyard, indicating a “good and prosperous” start for 2010.

Bong said Hanjin has already delivered eight vessels, one in 2008 and seven vessels in 2009; and is expected to complete the construction of a total 36 vessels in the next two years. Hanjin’s Busan headquarters announced last year that the company had signed for the Subic facility a $2.2-billion order for some of the biggest box ships and Cape-size carriers ever to be built. These include eight 12,800 TEU carriers worth $1.27 billion for Germany’s NSC Schiffartsgeselhaft; 10 3,600 TEU vessels worth $690 million for France’s CMA CGM and three 175,000 dwt Capesize bulkers worth $240 million, with two going to India’s Adani Group and the other to Turkey’s Eregli.