The PN's Ocean-going Tugboat was Awarded as the Best Naval Tugboat for 2024 by Baird Maritime and Work Boat World
02 Juni 2025
Best Naval Tug – AT 010 – Robert Allan Ltd & Josefa Slipways
This 62-tonne-bollard-pull tug is one of two Robert Allan Ltd designs built locally by Josefa Slipways (JSI) for the Philippine Navy. AT 010 is the larger of the two and is designed for oceanic operations while the smaller vessel will focus on harbour operations.
Well-built, equipped and outfitted, the larger tug has been conceived to handle every imaginable task an increasingly busy navy might possibly ask of it.
"AT 010 is powerful, highly manoeuvrable, and built specifically for operation even in extreme conditions using the most modern and reliable machinery," Arturo Balahadia, JSI's VP for Operations and Marketing Manager told Baird Maritime.
The builder said that manufacture of the tug posed some challenges primarily in the area of logistics, as delivery lead times for machinery and equipment became factors in meeting production schedules.
When asked about trends impacting shipbuilding in the present, Balahadia remarked that, "technological advancements and environmental regulations," are the ones driving transformation in the industry.
"The year 2024 was a strong year for us. We have seen solid growth across key markets particularly in supporting government agencies' vessel acquisitions just like in previous years, and we are on track to surpass several strategic goals."
Balahadia believes that, as it works towards supporting government agencies' acquisition programs in 2025, there will be "notable improvements" as most of the company's new conceptual proposals will be given importance and therefore prioritised for funding by the Philippine Government.
"This is a benefit of renewed customer confidence, operational efficiencies and an excellent track record," Balahadia told Baird Maritime. "Looking ahead, we are very optimistic and well-positioned to take the lead in the Philippine shipbuilding industry."
In Balahadia's view, the tug industry will evolve steadily, especially when considering maritime modernisation, safety and environmental regulations, port expansions, and growing demand within the global shipping industry.
As for the Philippines' own workboat industry, Balahadia expects it will experience, "a significant transformation over the next few years." This will be driven by shipping modernisation efforts and the sustainability initiatives brought about by continuing industrialisation in ports and in coastal areas.
"We have the maritime industry development plan that aims to modernise the local shipbuilding industry by adopting digital shipyard solutions," said Balahadia.
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