Austal, the Australian fast ferry and naval shipbuilder, is the latest company to be linked with the former Hanjin shipyard in the Philippines.
The company said in a statement that it “notes media speculation” that it is part of a consortium that is in negotiations to purchase the facility in Subic Bay.
“Austal has made major investments in its Australasian shipyards, including in the Philippines, and is continually assessing opportunities to further expand its operations if they create additional shareholder value,” it said.
“However, there is no certainty that any additional expansion opportunities will be either pursued or completed.”
The yard ceased production in mid-February following a $400m loan default and an application for court rehabilitation in January.
In March, it was reported the yard was being maintained by a crew of just 300, a fraction of the 34,000 employed at its peak more than a decade ago.
Reportedly, Damen Shipyards of the Netherlands, France's Naval Group and a consortium of US firms had pitched plans for the facility.
Other suitors include still unnamed Chinese firms and domestic port manager International Container Terminal Services.
The US Navy has also been touted as a potential tenant with reports that it is “exploring the viability” of the shipyard as a repair and maintenance facility.
US media sources have suggested that the move is ostensibly a bid to push back against China’s growing influence in the region.
Subic Bay hosted a massive US Navy base until 1992 when the Filipino government rejected new lease terms and viewed the base as an extension of the country’s colonial past.
