Royal Cargo, a leading global specialized logistics solutions company, officially makes its foray into the shipping business with the arrival of its first-ever container vessel at Batangas Port last June 13.
The vessel has the capacity to run at a max speed of 20 knots, with a deadweight tonnage of 13.751 and max container capacity of 1,118 20-foot equivalent units (TEU). The company also expects to invest in an additional vessel to expand its coverage before yearend.
Royal Cargo’s ship will be ready to engage in trade once the company has approval from the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA).
“We are banking on the combined support of government to meet the local market’s growing capacity demands,” said Michael Kurt Raeuber, CEO of Royal Cargo Group.
According to Philippine Ports Authority, cargo volumes rose by 11.6 percent from 223.67m tons in 2015 to 249.57m tons in 2016, largely driven by a 12.6-percent increase in foreign cargoes to 151.6m tons. Meanwhile, domestic cargo shipments escalated by 10 percent from 89.05m tons to 97.96m tonnes over the same period.
Setting its sights on the Philippines’ potential to become a major logistics hub by 2020, Royal Cargo Group “is making strategic capital investments to answer demands and spur business and economic growth,” Raeuber added.
Royal Cargo recently commenced the construction of its six-hectare solar-powered Cargo City North Hub in Plaridel, Bulacan as part of its logistics capacity expansion in the Philippines.
“We are committed towards providing highly differentiated logistics solutions to address our local market’s staggering needs. Expanding our vessel capacity in handling shipping operations will definitely position us as a well-rounded and reliable logistics partner and help us penetrate the market better,” said Elmer Francisco U. Sarmiento, president of Royal Cargo.
