French firm to put up P1.5B shipyard in PH
By Irma Isip | Malaya | July 8, 2021
OCEA OPV 270 Gabriela Silang, designed and built by OCEA for the Philippine Coast Guard, was recently awarded for the “Best Large Patrol Boat 2020” by the Baird Work Boat World team. (Photo: Malaya)
French shipbuilder OCEA has pledged P1.5 billion in investments for a shipyard project in the Philippines that may potentially create 500 to 600 direct and indirect jobs.
Roland Joassard, OCEA chief executive officer, announced this at the 9th Philippines-France Joint Economic Committee (JEC) meeting held recently led by DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez, and French Minister for Foreign Trade and Economic Attractiveness Franck Riester.
The DTI did not disclose details of the project.
Riester, who announced a visit to the Philippines before the end of 2021, presented to Lopez three letters of intent confirming financial support for upcoming projects with the Department of Transportation; financial aid in support of a training boat contract for the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy and a possible maritime expert proposal.
The high-level economic discussions and commitments centered on bilateral cooperation covering agriculture; civil aviation, aeronautics and space; creative industries; electronics; energy and green technology; infrastructure and transportation; and the maritime and shipbuilding sectors.
Lopez handed over to the French Minister, a letter from the Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA) for the next-phase study of the Clark Fresh Food Hub, and another letter conveying strong interest for the renewal of technical training programs from the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines.
OCEA is today the French leader in aluminum shipbuilding and specializes in the design, building and support of aluminium vessels up to 85 meters.
OCEA markets competitive offers in the 4 following fields of activity: maritime safety and security designed for Coast Guard and Navies missions and duties; passenger transportation for tourist, oil and gas and windfarm support and transport; multipurpose workboats for the management of the maritime territory; and luxury motor yachts.
Source: Malaya