Mariveles, Bataan – March 24, 2025 – Herma Shipyard, Inc. (HSI) has launched the Motor Tanker (M/Tkr) Malawig, a newly built 18MB petroleum tanker, from its shipyard in Mariveles, Bataan. This vessel, designed and built entirely by HSI, demonstrates the company’s commitment to producing high-quality, internationally certified tankers in the Philippines. The event was also attended by industry partners from Pioneer Insurance, Metropolitan Bank of the Philippines, and representatives from the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS).
M/Tkr Malawig is designed with an overall length of 86.10 meters, a Length Between Perpendiculars (LBP) of 80.933 meters, a moulded breadth of 13.720 meters, and a moulded depth of 5.00 meters. Its cargo tanks can hold 18 thousand barrels at 95% capacity, and includes slop tanks with a total capacity of 70.362 cubic meters, fresh water tanks with capacity of 80.785 cubic meters, ballast tanks holding 1,024.945 cubic meters, and fuel oil tanks with capacity of 91.060 cubic meters.
To ensure safety and reliability, M/Tkr Malawig is classified by the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), a member of the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS). IACS is a technical organization comprised of 12 marine classification societies that promotes safety, pollution prevention, and high standards in the maritime industry, with over 90% of the world’s merchant shipping tonnage classified by its members. The M/Tkr Malawig further complies with the regulations of the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) here in the Philippines.
M/Tkr Malawig will be operated by Herma Shipping and Transport Corporation (HSTC), addressing the growing need for modern petroleum transport in the country. This launching follows the recent deliveries of M/Tkr Mayabong and M/Tkr Maginoo, both 12 MB tankers capable of carrying three petroleum grades simultaneously. Later this year, HSI is set to launch another 18 MB tanker in July, further expanding HSTC’s fleet.
“This launching highlights our dedication to Filipino shipbuilding excellence,” stated Herminio S. Esguerra, Founder and Chairman of The Herma Group. “Malawig means ‘Malalim at Malawak.’ ‘Sa HSI, Malalim sa dedikasyon, at Malawak sa Kaalaman.’” He goes on saying “Ito ay bunga ng pawis, tiyaga at husay. Isang tagumpay hindi lang ng industriya ng maritime, ngunit, isang tagumpay ng bansang Pilipinas!”
HSI and HSTC belong to The Herma Group, established in 1985 by Founder, Chairman and CEO Herminio S. Esguerra. It has grown from a single barge operation to a diverse conglomerate in various industries. Its operations include shipbuilding & maritime infrastructure, marine transport & logistics, petroleum supply chain, environmental management services, agribusiness, shared corporate services, and property development.
The Herma Group continues to uphold its core values: Enterprise, Excellence, Integrity, Respect for the Individual, and Teamwork. The company remains committed to advancing maritime capabilities in the Philippines, reinforcing its #BuiltToLast commitment. This year, The Herma Group celebrates 40 years of service to the Filipino maritime industry.
