Dynamic Group ventures into shipbuilding business

CEBU, Philippines — Construction solutions company Dynamic Group, ventures into shipbuilding business.

The company, which started as provider of construction castings 50 years ago, recently built a 10,000 square meters shipbuilding plant in Danao City to support the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) circular No. 2016-2, which seeks the eventual discontinuation of operation of wooden-hulled passenger vessels.

The company's liaison officer Marilou Ngo-Ang said the company is banking on its expertise as provider of boat equipment over the years.

Marina wants to phase out old ships as part of modernizing the maritime industry.

The shipbuilding company called DM8 Composites hired naval architects led by Nor Harriz, to ensure world-class quality of new vessels.

The plant can build made-to-order passenger boats, leisure and party vessels, yachts, as well as high-speed patrol boats, Harriz said.

At present, the plant is working on completing the orders of patrol boats.

To date, there are at least 7,000 wooden hull boats identified by Marina to be replaced by modern vessels, if owners still wish to continue their inter-island shipping business.

The Marina circular promotes the use of modern ship design and technologically improved alternative hull materials that are safe, resilient and environmentally-friendly;

The Dynamic Group of companies, owned by the Ngo family, originally a construction solutions provider in Mandaue City, is one of the few local capitalists in Cebu that foresees the big potential of Cebu as shipbuilding hub–not only for local clientele, but also for international market.

Ngo-Ang said aside from offering small-time ship operators affordable alternative to comply with MARINA's circular, the market for boats in the Philippines is gaining momentum.

She mentioned the booming tourism industry, which need the support of good and modern ships to transport tourists from one island to another. (FREEMAN)