THE number of Philippine ships increased in the first half of the year, but much of the growth was powered by wooden-hull vessels or those that the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) has been trying to phase out since the last decade.
Latest data from Marina showed that for the first six months of the year, a total of 7,223 merchant vessels registered with the Marina, up 51% from the same period last year’s 4,763 vessels.
Of the total, 3,358 were passenger vessels; 1,574, cargo vessels; 195, tankers; and 371, tugs. This compares to last year’s 2,640 passenger vessels; 1,435 cargo vessels; 174 tankers; and 367 tugs.
Vessels zero to five years old reached 2,447. A total of 410 vessels were in the 30-35 year old range, 286 were 36-40 years, and 310 above 40 years.
For passenger vessels, 1,354 were aged from zero to five years and 152 vessels from 36 and above.
Of the total number of registered vessels for the first six months, wooden-hull passenger vessels accounted for 2,608. There were also 360 steel-hulled, 294 fiber glass vessels, and three made from fero cement for the period in review.
For cargo vessels, 517 out of 1,574 were wooden-hulled; 979 steel; 34 fiber glass; and seven fero cement.
Out of 194 tankers registered, only one was wooden; 109 steel; and one fiber glass. No information was provided for the rest.
Shift to more seaworthy vessels
Government has been trying to phase out wooden-hulled vessels due to safety concerns but the results have been mixed at best; operators have found it hard to look for vessel replacements.
Philippine vessel operators are being urged to shift to the more seaworthy and longer lasting fiber glass or steel-hulled vessels. They are, however, reluctant unless there is more evidence of greater business ahead and a level playing field in the overseas trade.
Philippine-flag vessels are seeking exemption from taxes in the carriage of the country’s foreign trade, which is something enjoyed by foreign-flag shipping lines.
