NMC Container Line is looking at returning to Batangas Port in August, according to a company executive.
Jay Olivarez, chief operating officer–Liner and Logistics Division of the Magsaysay Transport & Logistics Group, of which NMC is a part, said NMC is now in discussions with port operator Asian Terminals Inc for the return of NMC services to Batangas.
On the sidelines of the annual shareholders’ meeting of another Magsaysay company Lorenzo Shipping, Olivarez told PortCalls the move is “partly due to effects of truck ban” and “clamor from shippers”.
Olivarez said NMC plans to offer the Batangas-Cebu and Cagayan De Oro service, the exact same service it had in Batangas Port two years ago.
NMC dropped its Batangas operation after two years due to “pressure in volume”, Olivarez explained.
Meanwhile, the company’s first-quarter results were not very encouraging due to the scheduled dry docking and vessel repairs, he said.
But Olivarez said they are bullish about the second quarter, normally the start of strong performance for the company.
Olivarez said fast-moving consumer goods like personal care, food and beverages, and agricultural products for northbound cargoes will still be the growth drivers for 2014.
The shipping line has acquired a 270 twenty-foot equivalent unit capacity vessel for delivery in July, pushing total fleet to six. The new vessel will most likely be deployed in Cebu and Cagayan De Oro.
NMC also ordered 400 brand new container vans for 2014. – Roumina Pablo
Image from NMC Container Lines Facebook account
