Mariveles, Bataan – On Friday, January 26, 2024, Herma Group Chairman and CEO Herminio S. Esguerra christened a brand new 12MB tanker, M/Tkr Mayabong. Built by Herma Shipyard Inc. (HSI) – a proudly 100% Filipino-owned ship building and ship repair company under the Ship Building and Maritime Infrastructure Division (SBMID) of the Herma Group – M/Tkr Mayabong will take her place in the growing fleet of sister company Herma Shipping and Transport Corporation (HSTC).

The 77.417 meters (254 Ft) long tanker is designed to handle a maximum of three totally segregated grades of petroleum products simultaneously. It has a total capacity of 2,208.88 cubic meters, or 12,000 U.S. barrels.

Launching Ceremony

To the musical accompaniment of the Banda Kawayan Ensemble of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP), a launching ceremony was held to mark the auspicious launch of M/Tkr Mayabong.

In attendance were Chairman Esguerra, SBMID Managing Director Emelito A. Sosa; Marine Transport and Services Division Managing Director Primo R. Agbayani; Corporate Services Division Managing Director Judithea Esguerra-Ibuyan; Environmental Management Services Division Managing Director José Exiquel Esguerra; Member of the Board of Directors of the Herma Group of Companies, Atty. Gabriel B. Esguerra; Herma Shipping and Transport Corporation COO Peter Huang; HSI COO Atty. Nathaniel S. Joquiño; and Petroleum Supply Chain Division COO Benedict Julius F. Ibuyan.

Witnessing the event were guests representing HSI’s various business partners and stakeholders including the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), the Philippine Registry of Shipping (PRS), and Pioneer Insurance as well as guests from the Maritime League, the premiere Philippine maritime foundation that works to advance the interests of the maritime industry. Representing the league were Vice Admiral Emilio C. Marayag AFP (Ret), and Ms. Vicky Viray, Trustee and Editor of the Maritime Review.

Shipyard workers also took part in the ceremony, alongside various members of the Herma Family who had made the trip to Bataan from Manila.

The Chairman Speaks

In his inspirational speech before the assembled audience that was a mix of VIPs and shipyard workers, Chairman Esguerra acknowledged the contributions made by everyone in the early completion of M/Tkr Mayabong. He, however, made special mention of those he called “the real builders.”

To unanimous acclaim, the Chairman applauded “the ship fitters, welders, painters, blasters, valve mechanics  lahat ng involved sa paggawa ng M/Tkr Mayabong –pinapalakpakan po.”

“Tayong mga nasa top management, hindi natin magagawa (ang ginagawa nila.),” the Chairman continued. “Taga isip lang tayo, taga inspire.”

Chairman Esguerra underscored the tremendous impact of Herma’s ship building on keeping Filipino families intact. He declared “When we build (a ship) locally, we are preventing the separation of the family, which is the basic community in the country. Imbes na pumunta sa ibang bansa at mahiwalay ang mag-asawa dahil ang lalaki ay nagtatrabaho sa ibang bansa,” Chairman Esguerra explained, “now, we are preventing them from being separated from their family and to me, this is very important –dahil ang social implications nito ay malaki.”

Chairman Esguerra then outlined future plans for the shipyard, including the completion of the slip dock that would double the capacity of the yard. “Herma is contributing to nation building of this country,” Chairman Esguerra declared, adding that with all the construction projects lined up for 2024, “our plate is full.”

A Commitment to Excellence and Hard Work

Also speaking at the launching ceremony, was HSI COO Atty. Nathaniel S. Joquiño, Capt. PN (Ret), who said, “M/Tkr Mayabong is a testament to Herma Shipyard’s commitment to excellence and the capability of the Filipino maritime industry The vessel not only meets the highest standards for safety and efficiency, but also exceeds all expectations.”

The building of M/Tkr Mayabong ensures adherence to Marina rules and the Philippine Registry of Shipping class rules and regulations. The vessel fully complies with various international conventions and satisfies all safety and operational standards required by the Ship Inspection Report Program (SIRE).

SBMID Managing Director Emelito A. Sosa, in his speech, thanked the men and women of HSI who “sailed with us in both rough and calm seas,” as he recalled, “itong barkong ito ay hindi inantala ang maraming pagsubok.” He enumerated the challenges faced in the construction of the vessel which were nevertheless overcome through hard work.

Mr. Sosa especially thanked Chairman Esguerra, saying “Sir, you continue to be the leading light towards our plotted course, you always steer us towards realization of Herma Family’s goals.”

World-class Partnership

Reached for comment, Peter Huang, COO of HSTC summed up the triumphant day for the Herma Group. “The successful launch of M/Tkr Mayabong highlights the long-standing partnership between Herma Shipping and Transport Corporation and Herma Shipyard, together with our valued industry partners MARINA, PRS and Pioneer Insurance. Together, we have shown yet again our world class capability to build and operate tankers to serve the growing needs of our charterers here in the Philippines.”