By Tracy Cabrera
USTDA backs expansion of Subic ship repair facility
The Philippine maritime industry is set to gain additional ship repair capacity as the United States Trade and Development Agency supports the planned expansion of a key drydock facility in Subic Bay.
The project involves Subic Drydock Corporation, which plans to expand its operations and strengthen Subic Bay’s role as a regional hub for ship repair and maintenance.
USTDA Deputy Director Thomas Hardy said the agency’s assistance will fund a feasibility study aimed at improving the Philippines’ drydock capabilities and supporting infrastructure development along the Luzon Economic Corridor.
An agreement for the study was signed during the USTDA-sponsored Luzon Economic Corridor Investment Forum in Manila on September 10, which brought together more than 600 investors, government officials and industry leaders.
“The target here is to expand Subic Drydock Corporation’s ship repair facility in Subic Bay, advancing Subic as a regional hub for ship repair and maintenance along major maritime routes,” Hardy said.
He noted that Subic Bay’s deep-water harbor and location along major shipping routes make it an important center for trade and logistics.
However, growing demand for ship repair services has exposed capacity limitations, particularly in accommodating larger vessels.
Subic Drydock Corporation has tapped California-based DM Consulting Inc. to conduct the feasibility study.
Hardy said the study will produce a construction-ready design package and financial analyses for the planned extension of the facility’s approach pier, allowing it to serve bigger ships.
The study is also expected to support efforts to secure financing for procurement and construction, helping move the expansion project from planning to implementation.
