ASIAN countries cornered the bulk of growth registered by the international shipping industry in the past six years, according to Japanese Shipowners Association (JSA) vice president Hiroo Ohno.
At the Philippine-Japan Manning Consultative Council conference last week, Ohno said Asia grew the most from 1999 to 2005 compared to the idle industries in Europe and the United States.
From 1999 to 2002, the industry grew an average 3% although growth was faster at 6% from 2002 to 2005 propelled by activity in the Asian region.
“The growth was mainly in Asia as evident in the 116% increase in bulk cargo in the past six years while growth was flat in Europe and US,” Ohno said. “The trend is expected to continue as carriers continue to invest in bigger ships to connect Asia with the rest of the world.
“Philippine seafarers have also enjoyed the robust activity in the international shipping as they comprise 43% of the total population manning international-going vessels.”
Global shipbuilding volume, Ohno said, averaged 14% per year from 2002 to 2005 mainly in Asia.
Japanese shipping companies NYK Lines, Mitsui OSK Lines, “K” Line, Daiichi Chuo, Shinwa Kaiun are planning fleet expansions to meet the increasing demand for global seaborne transportation.
The size of their combined fleet will grow from 2,138 to 2,537 ships by 2009, or an increase of 19%.
The Philippine government is meanwhile looking at giving incentives to foreign companies, including JSA members, investing in the country.
In particular, international firms are being lured to place vessel orders from local shipbuilders and to sign up with the local registry once amendments to shipowning rules are approved.
