Herma Group launches tanker
Details Category: Companies
28 Aug 2014 Written by Recto Mercene
CONGLOMERATE Herma Group of Companies announced on Wednesday it launched a locally made ship called Matapat.
“This is our response to nation-building. M/Tkr [Marine/Tanker] Matapat is a tangible manifestation of the ‘Kaya Natin’ spirit of the Filipino,” Herma Group Chairman and CEO Herminio S. Esguerra said during ceremonies in Makati City on August 27.
“Matapat is a Filipino word that means true, sincere and faithful. These traits characterized our shipbuilders all throughout the making of this ship.”
Retired Comm. Carlos L. Agustin, chairman and president of the Maritime League, said the country’s tradition of seafaring is best shown by the Balanghai, locally made boats that roam the South China Sea up to Thailand and China from Sulu.
“Tonight is a fitting tribute to our ship building tradition that heralds a wealth of opportunity in shipbuilding if properly pursued,” he said, adding “Tanker Matapat is a traveling symbol of what is possible.”
M/Tkr Matapat is the 16th petroleum tanker locally built for the Herma Group fleet, specifically designed for the unique conditions of Philippine waters. It is certified by the American Bureau of Shipping as an internationally classed A1 oil carrier.
“Two more of this kind of tankers would be built to add to our fleet,” Esguerra said during an interview.
In his speech, Esguerra said “sooner rather than later, a Philippine shipyard will, once again, be commissioned to build ships for our very own Philippine Navy and Philippine Coast Guard.”
Asked if his shipyard could build ships for the Navy to patrol the contested isles in the West Philippine Sea, Esguerra said the Navy’s requirements are totally different from what his shipyard is capable of building. “But what we are celebrating tonight is much more than a turnover,” Esguerra said.
Recto Mercene
http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/index.php/en/business/companies/37883-herma-group-launches-tanker
