Mariveles, Bataan – On Friday, January 26, 2024, Herma Group Chairman and CEO Herminio S. Esguerra christened a brand new 12MB tanker, M/Tkr Mayabong. Built by Herma Shipyard Inc. (HSI) – a proudly 100% Filipino-owned ship building and ship repair company under the Ship Building And Maritime Infrastructure Division (SBMID) of the Herma Group – M/Tkr Mayabong will take her place in the growing fleet of sister company Herma Shipping and Transport Corporation (HSTC).
M/Tkr Mayabong is a twin-screw oil tanker, of steel welded construction, with a two-tier superstructure. The cargo area consists of ten cargo tanks (five pairs) for petroleum products, along with two slop tanks (P/S) adhering to International Convention for Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) rules. The 77.36m long tanker is designed to handle a maximum of three different grades of petroleum products simultaneously. It has a total capacity of 2,208.88 cubic meters, or 12,000 U.S. barrels with the main cargo oil pumps installed inside a pump room forward and adjacent to the engine room, to ensure efficient and secure transportation of liquid petroleum products.
Launching Ceremony
To the musical accompaniment of the Banda Kawayan Ensemble of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP), a launching ceremony was held to mark the auspicious launch of M/Tkr Mayabong.
In attendance were Chairman Esguerra, SBMID Managing Director Captain Emelito S. Sosa, COO Atty. Nathaniel S. Joquiño, Corporate Services Division Managing Director Judithea Esguerra-Ibuyan, Environmental Management Services Division Managing Director José Exiquel Esguerra, Member of the Board of Directors of the Herma Group of Companies, Atty. Gabriel B. Esguerra; and Chief Operating Officer of the Petroleum Supply Chain Division Benedict Julius F. Ibuyan.
Witnessing the event were guests representing HSI’s various business partners and stakeholders including the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), the Philippine Registry of Shipping (PRS), and Pioneer Insurance as well as guests from the Maritime League, the premiere Filipino maritime foundation that works to advance the interests of the maritime industry. Representing the league were Vice Admiral Emilio C. Marayag AFP (Ret.), and Ms. Vicky Viray, League Trustee and Editor of the League’s newsletter, the Maritime Review.
Shipyard workers also took part in the ceremony, alongside various members of the Herma Family who had made the trip to Bataan from Manila.
The Chairman Speaks
In his inspirational speech before the assembled audience that was a mix of VIPs and shipyard workers, Chairman Esguerra acknowledged the contributions made by everyone in the early completion of M/Tkr Mayabong. He, however, made special mention of those he called “the real builders,” of M/Tkr Mayabong.
To unanimous acclaim, the Chairman applauded “the pipe-fitters, the welders, the cutters, lahat ng involved sa paggawa ng M/T Mayabong … pinapalakpakan po yan.”
“Tayong mga nasa top management, hindi natin magagawa (ang ginagawa nila.),” the Chairman continued. “Taga isip lang tayo, taga inspire.”
Chairman Esguerra went on to underscore the tremendous impact of Herma’s ship building on keeping Filipino families intact. He declared “When we build (a ship) locally, we are preventing the separation of the family, which is the basic community in the country. Imbes na pumunta sa ibang bansa at maghiwalay ng mag-asawa at ang lalaki ang nagtatrabaho sa ibang bansa,” Chairman Esguera explained, “now we are preventing them from being separated from their family and to me, this is very important because ang social implications nito ay malaki.”
Chairman Esguerra then outlined future plans for the shipyard, including the completion of the graving dock that would double the capacity of the yard, the construction of a the new Herma Industrial Complex building, and the construction of a new bulk liquid storage terminal. “Herma is contributing to the nation building of this country,” Chairman Esguerra declared, adding that with all the construction projects lined up for 2024, “our plate is full!”
A Commitment to Excellence and Hard Work
Also speaking at the launching ceremony, was HSI Chief Operating Officer Atty. Nathaniel S. Joquino, Capt. PN (Ret), who said “M/Tkr Mayabong is a testament to Herma Shipyard’s commitment to excellence and the capability of the Filipino maritime industry. The vessel not only meets the highest standards for safety and efficiency, but also exceeds all expectations.”
The construction of M/Tkr Mayabong adheres to the standards set by the Philippine Registry of Shipping (PRS) and complies with the latest Rules and Regulations governing oil tankers for Philippine coastwise trading. Furthermore, the vessel fully complies with various international conventions and satisfies all the safety and operational standards required by the Ship Inspection Report Program (SIRE).
SBMID Managing Director Capt. Emelito A. Sosa, PN (Ret.), in his speech, thanked the men and women of HSI who “sailed with us in both rough and calm seas,” as he recalled, “itong barkong ito ay hindi inantala ang maraming pagsubok.” Capt. Sosa enumerated the challenges faced in the construction of the vessel which were nevertheless overcome through hard work.
Capt. Sosa especially thanked Chairmen Esguerra, saying “Sir, you continue to be the leading light towards our varied course, you always steer us towards our Herma Family’s goals.”
World-class Partnership
Reached for comment, Peter Huang, Chief Operating Officer of HSTC summed up the triumphant day for the Herma Group when he said “The successful launch of MT Mayabong highlights the long-standing partnership between Herma Shipping and Transport Corporation and Herma Shipyard, together with our valued industry partners MARINA, PRS and Pioneer Insurance. Together, we have shown yet again our world class capability to build and operate tankers to serve the growing needs of our charterers here in the Philippines.”
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