Herma delivers tanker to Chevron

Herma Shipping and Transport Corp. is set to deliver a double-hulled tanker to Chevron Philippines, the country?s third-largest petroleum company, by the first quarter of the year. The company, which is reviving a derelict shipyard in Mariveles, Bataan, said the 12,000-barrel capacity vessel, named Masinop, is the second locally made ship after the government outlawed the use of single-hulled tankers.

The tanker will be used by Chevron to deliver petroleum products to designated depots around the Philippines. Herma Shipyard was created in early 2000 initially to provide efficient and dedicated shipbuilding and maintenance services to the Group’s growing fleet. Herma Shipyard operates from the 17-hectare yard in Mariveles, Bataan, formerly known as the Bataan Shipyard and Engineering Co. Inc., and employs about 2,000 workers.

The newbuilding weighs 3,710 DWT, is powered by a 1,885 kW Hanshin marine diesel main engine giving a service speed of 12.5 knots. Herma Group?s chairman and chief executive officer Herminio Esguerra earlier said they are spending about P100 million for the expansion of the shipyard. The bulk of the funds will be used to purchase additional equipment rather than reclaiming more land for the shipyard.

Esguerra said they have also received several inquiries from Europe and South Korea to build cargo ships. “We see a big opportunity in shipbuilding because most of the shipyards in the neighbouring countries are fully booked,” Esguerra said.