Press Release
March 21, 2009

Subic can be a lay-up haven for international sea-going vessels - Gordon

Independent Senator Richard J. Gordon today invited Japan and other interested countries to make use of the Subic port as lay-up haven for their international sea-going vessels as the global economic crisis continues to slowdown demands on imported products.

Gordon, former chairman of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), said Subic has a lot to offer in amenities and attractions to offer, aside from being ideal for ship repairs.

"The Philippines is a cost-efficient area for Japanese ship owners to dock their vessels until a strong demand for shipping cargo returns, being one of Japan 's closest neighbors," he said.

"The harbors in Subic are ideal for docking ships and doing repairs on them. In fact, we have the Hanjin Heavy Industries and Construction operating a shipbuilding facility, in Subic . It is also historic and a great tourist attraction," he added.

News reports said Japanese ship owners are hinting at the possibility of using at least two Philippine ports - the SBMA and the Malalad Bay in Davao - to anchor ships as they await shipment overseas.

There are already 30 vessels in SBMA undergoing cold lay-ups, which require all crew members to leave the ship.

The Philippines has recently entered into an agreement with Japan 's transport ministry to provide skills training and upgrading of Filipino seafarers that have been idled or laid up following the global economic crisis.

Gordon said Subic also has the potential for being a ship-breaking port, where old ships could be dismantled and scrap metal from the vessels sold.

"With the massive unemployment resulting from the global economic slowdown, building a ship-breaking port in Subic would provide employment to Filipinos, particularly the seafarers who were laid off," he said.

Gordon also noted that having Japan and other countries make use of Subic ports as docking areas will also spur tourism in the area which would mean additional jobs.

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