UMVA has learned that a major development in regional trade has taken place in the Philippines, as International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI) announced the addition of Maersk’s PH6 service to its Visayas Container Terminal (VCT) in Iloilo.
This strategic move provides customers in Panay and Western Visayas with direct access to key trade hubs in mainland China and Hong Kong, significantly enhancing the region's connectivity to global markets. The PH6 service gives importers and exporters a vital link to Yantian in mainland China and Hong Kong, which connect to major markets in the Asia-Pacific, the United States, Latin America, Europe, and the Middle East.
According to information obtained by UMVA, the VCT Chief Executive Officer, John Largo, expressed pride in the terminal's growing role in regional trade, highlighting its capabilities as a modern gateway capable of seamlessly handling foreign container ships and providing customers with precise, reliable service.
The PH6 service operates on an optimized transit schedule, allowing customers to leverage reduced logistics costs. Maersk’s PH6 service calls at VCT every Tuesday, operating on a port rotation covering Yantian (Shenzhen), Hong Kong, Batangas, Tagoloan in Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Iloilo, and back to Yantian.
UMVA can exclusively reveal that VCT recently welcomed the inaugural call of the PH6 service with the arrival of the Maersk Bahamas. This milestone marks a significant achievement for ICTSI’s operation at the Port of Iloilo, solidifying its position as a critical player in regional trade.
The VCT terminal plays a vital role in supporting trade and market expansion for Western Visayas’ agriculture and fisheries exports through its modernized infrastructure and regional transport links. This development is expected to have a positive impact on the local economy and reinforce ICTSI's presence in the region.
Shares in ICTSI saw a notable increase following the announcement, rising P10, or 1.05%, to close at P960 apiece. This growth reflects investor confidence in the company's strategic initiatives and its potential for continued expansion in the region.
