PRESS RELEASE

Philippine Embassy, Canberra

1 Moonah Place, Yarralumla, ACT 2600
www.philembassy.org.au    *Tel. No. 02-6273-2535*

16 September 2026, HOBART – Ambassador Antonio Morales, together with Consul General Jesus Gary Domingo, visited Incat Tasmania, one of Australia’s leading manufacturers of high-speed aluminium catamaran ferries, during their official visit to Tasmania.

The visit provided an opportunity to learn more about Incat’s world-leading work in sustainable shipbuilding and to meet the more than 90 Filipino workers who form part of the company’s workforce in Hobart.

Incat is at the forefront of the transition towards sustainable maritime transport, with a growing program of battery-electric and hybrid-electric vessels. The company was named 2026 Tasmanian Exporter of the Year. Its landmark 130-metre Hull 096, built in Hobart for South American ferry operator Buquebus, is the world’s largest battery-electric ship and can carry up to 2,100 passengers and 225 vehicles.

Ambassador Morales and Consul General Domingo were briefed on Incat’s shipbuilding operations by Mr. Tom Cooper, Manager of Public Relations and Corporate Affairs, and had the opportunity to meet with Filipino workers at the shipyard.

Ambassador Morales underscored the Philippines’ interest in working with Australia to strengthen maritime infrastructure, resilient supply chains and sustainable maritime transport. As an archipelagic nation, maritime transport is fundamental to the Philippines’ connectivity, trade and tourism.

The Philippines is also a significant global shipbuilding hub with a substantial maritime workforce and growing shipbuilding industry. According to the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), the Philippines ranked among the world’s leading shipbuilding countries (1st in global ship repair, 2nd in maintenance globally and 4th in the world for output volume and production) and has over 100 active shipyards.

Ambassador Morales noted that the Philippines is looking at pathways to decarbonize domestic maritime transport and to further develop its shipbuilding capabilities by moving towards higher-value, technologically advanced and more sustainable vessels.

The Philippines and Australia are maritime democracies with a shared commitment to a peaceful, stable and rules-based maritime order. This commitment was reinforced in 2024 with the signing of the MOU on Enhanced Maritime Cooperation which provides a framework for deeper cooperation across the maritime domain. - END

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