The Philippines is claiming a world first as it develops a ship powered by waves.

The Department of Science and Technology (DoST) is funding a new project at Metallica Shipyard that will see a hybrid cargo catamaran built that can harness the energy of the ocean, and also use gas.

Engineer Nonilo Pena, of the DoST's Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (PCIEERD), told the Manila Times that the keel was laid this week.