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Visayas Container Terminal handled its first gearless vessel with the inaugural call of Regional Container Lines’ MV Otana Bhum on January 9
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ICTSI said the call underscores VCT’s enhanced capabilities following the September 2024 delivery of two brand-new mobile harbor cranes at the terminal
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The MV Otana Bhum has a capacity of 1,022 TEUs and sails under the RCL Singapore-Philippines 6 service
Visayas Container Terminal (VCT) handled its first gearless vessel with the inaugural call of Regional Container Lines’ (RCL) MV Otana Bhum on January 9.
The call underscores VCT’s enhanced capabilities following the September 2024 delivery of two brand-new mobile harbor cranes (MHC) at the terminal, VCT parent company International Container Terminal Services, Inc.’s (ICTSI) said in a statement.
The MHCs are designed to handle the latest shipping requirements, enabling VCT to serve the larger gearless vessels, it added.
The MV Otana Bhum has a length overall of 147 meters and a capacity of 1,022 twenty-foot equivalent units. It sails under the RCL Singapore-Philippines 6 (RSP6) service, which rotates through the ports of Singapore, Iloilo, Zamboanga, Cebu and Tagoloan and provides critical connections across key regional and international trade hubs.
“The arrival of RCL’s Otana Bhum not only highlights our port’s world-class capabilities but also demonstrates our commitment to fostering economic growth in the region,” VCT chief executive officer John Largo said.
“This development positions Iloilo as a key player in the Visayas, offering enhanced connectivity and efficient services for shipping lines and stakeholders,” Largo added.
ICTSI said the vessel’s arrival represents a significant leap forward for the entire Visayas region as it sets the stage for increased trade opportunities, streamlined operations and strengthened global connectivity.
ICTSI added that VCT’s modern facilities and its continuous investments “reflect a shared vision of transforming Iloilo into a premiere international gateway, reducing reliance on transshipment ports and creating direct access to global markets.”
ICTSI last January was awarded the 25-year concession contract to operate and develop Iloilo Commercial Port Complex, which it renamed VCT. The terminal started commercial operations under ICTSI in April 2024. Since then, ICTSI said it continues to expedite facility upgrades, IT system implementation, and deployment of other modern cargo handling equipment at VCT.
READ: PPA hands over Iloilo Commercial Port to Visayas Container Terminal
Under the contract, VCT’s operations will exclusively serve foreign vessels and cargoes. For the first five years, domestic vessels and cargoes are permitted until the Fort San Pedro port development turnover.
READ: BOI approves P2.35B Visayas Container Terminal project; Visayas Container Terminal receives mobile harbor cranes
