Philippines Now Home to World-Class Luxury Yacht Builder at Aboitiz InfraCapital’s West Cebu Estate

Cebu Marine Industry Inc. (CMII), a renowned builder of luxury performance yachts under the esteemed Hudson Yacht Group, has anchored its offshore operations within West Cebu Estate (WCE) in Balamban, Cebu. This strategic move aims to boost production capacity for state-of-the-art and eco-friendly boats, leveraging WCE’s world-class facilities, conducive business environment, and highly skilled workforce.

Hudson Yacht Group, established in 2009, has built a strong reputation for its innovative yacht designs and superior craftsmanship. Its flagship brand, HH Catamarans, has gained worldwide acclaim for its high-performance models.

In its new facility in WCE, spanning over 6.3 hectares, CMII will manufacture the majority of future HH44 and HH52 orders. The HH44 model, hailed as the “Boat of the Year” for 2024 by Sailing World Magazine, offers eco-friendly cruising with optimized liveability, while the HH52 boasts powerful lines and superior performance. Both models integrate parallel electric/diesel hybrid technology, a cabin-top solar array, and hydro-regeneration capabilities while sailing.

The production of these luxury yachts has already created 450 jobs and has the potential to generate up to 700, providing skilled employment opportunities in specialized fields such as lamination, carpentry, engineering, and electrical work.

Balamban’s status as the shipbuilding capital of the Philippines makes it an ideal choice for CMII’s offshore operations. The West Cebu Estate (WCE), backed by Aboitiz Group affiliates providing essential power, water, and construction services, is undergoing rapid transformation and attracting diverse businesses in the automotive, electronics, manufacturing, and logistics sectors. This expansion strengthens WCE’s role in driving economic prosperity, propelling Balamban into a new era of industrial advancement.

Arthur Wang, President of CMII, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership with Aboitiz InfraCapital Economic Estates, citing several factors that influenced their decision. “The quality of Filipino skilled workers at WCE surpassed our expectations, offering a superior alternative to our operations in China,” said Wang. He also commended the Aboitiz brand’s reputation for excellence, exceptional service, and communication, which made the negotiation process smooth and efficient.

Wang further elaborated on the strategic advantages of WCE, stating, “The comprehensive suite of world-class services, including top-tier power and water management by Aboitiz, aligns perfectly with our operational needs and significantly enhances our production capabilities.” He emphasized, “We are confident in the facility’s capacity to support our future growth.”

Rafael Fernandez de Mesa, Head of AIC Economic Estates, echoed this sentiment: “The growing operations of CMII within WCE is a testament to the confidence industry leaders have in our capabilities. Our commitment to providing world-class infrastructure and services creates a thriving environment for innovation and growth. We are excited to support CMII’s journey and to see the positive impact it will bring to the community and the maritime industry.”

WCE’s ongoing 39-hectare industrial expansion and the upcoming development of a 3.3-hectare central business district are set to attract a host of industries. These expansion areas are expected to create 14,000 new jobs,  stimulating new opportunities in commercial centers, housing, transportation, and more. With its continuing industrial expansion, strong infrastructure support, and three-decade track record, WCE provides businesses with a strategic advantage for sustainable growth. (MCN)