Visayas Container Terminal (VCT), a business unit of International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI) at the Port of Iloilo in Panay, Philippines, welcomed the inaugural call of SITC Container Lines’ CPX6 service on 6 May.
“Iloilo is strategically located at the centre of the Visayas, the second largest economic region in the Philippines. With the region earmarked for future economic development, we are pleased to collaborate with SITC in connecting the Visayas to China directly. The service will help local industries thrive by expanding their market access,” said Timothee Jeannin, VCT executive director.
This weekly service represents a significant enhancement in connectivity for industries in the Western Visayas region, establishing a crucial trade link to Mainland China markets.
The CPX6 service offers extensive coverage, including calls to the following major ports: Tianjin, Yantai, Qingdao, Shanghai, Ningbo, Qinzhou, Xiamen, Subic Bay, Manila, Iloilo, Cebu, Davao, and back to Tianjin.
The service is operated by four vessels with capacities ranging from 2,400 to 2,700 TEUs.
“The arrival of this service ushers a new era of collaboration and trade opportunity for Western Visayas, which holds immense economic potential across multiple sectors including agriculture and manufacturing. Strategic investments, infrastructure development and sustainable practices are key to realizing this potential. This service underscores our commitment to fostering trade growth and economic development in the region, and supports our goal to become the leading trade facilitator in Central Philippines,” stated Jeannin.
VCT commenced commercial operations in early April after securing a 25-year concession from the Philippine Ports Authority to develop and operate the Iloilo Commercial Port Complex. Planned upgrades for the port include dredging and the introduction of modern cargo handling equipment.
