Austal Recognizes Skilled Filipino Workers

A top-ranking official of an Australian-based global defence prime contractor has recognized the vital contribution of Filipino skilled workers in building world-class ships.

Austal Philippines Shipyard Operations President and General Manager Joey Turano commended the effort, skills and abilities of Filipino shipbuilders during the visit of Pres. Benigno S. Aquino III Wednesday at Austal’s shipyard facility in Balamban, Cebu.

Austal is a global company that designs, constructs, and maintains revolutionary naval platforms. It currently employs 250 Filipino workers along with 50 Australian staff after it started its Philippine operations at the West Cebu Industrial Park in Brgy. Arpili, Balamban, Cebu.

Turano, in his speech, said that within its 10-month operation here, the company was able to produce world-class ships through the combined effort and skills of Filipino and Australian shipbuilders.

“The impressive skills and experience of the people in Cebu is central to that potential. I would like to take this opportunity to recognize the great contribution of our Filipino staff and those who have joined us from Australia and elsewhere,” he added.

He also said the Filipino shipbuilders are vital in the capability of the company to produce high quality and efficient ships.

“Working together, we have been able to successfully combine Austal’s superior technology with high quality, high efficient manufacturing capability to continue the Austal tradition of producing truly world class ships,” Turano declared.

He said the 250 Filipino workers at the Balamban facility were already employed with the company in Australia.

They were brought to Cebu when the operation in Balamban started.

Austal’s shipyard operations here has recently completed its first ship, a highly advanced world-class trimaran design for the European wind farm market. A trimaran is a multihulled boat consisting of a main hull and two smaller outrigger hulls.

Turano also ensured the Austal shipbuilders in Cebu that they will continue to be busy with work until at least the end of the year.

“Our next ship, which is well underway, is a car and passenger ferry which we believe will be the largest ferry ever built in the Philippines. Another three wind farm vessels will follow it, ensuring work for the shipyard until at least the end of this year,” he said.

Pres. Aquino, in response, told Austal officials that the Philippine government will continue to support the shipbuilding industry.

“I would also like to tell you that our administration will continue supporting your industry to make it easier for companies like you to build ships here,” he said.

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Press Release, January 17, 2013; Image: Austal