The modern Batangas Container Terminal (BCT), operated by listed trade enabler Asian Terminals Inc. (ATI), welcomed more international carriers into its shores in July, providing smarter market connectivity and faster cargo deliveries for locators and major industries located in CALABARZON (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon) and surrounding environs.
BCT recently received ships operated by Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) and Regional Container Lines (RCL) as the global carriers officially began their regular sailings to Southern Luzon’s premier trade gateway.
The terminal marked the historic maiden voyage of MSC’s MV IDA II and RCL’s MV Lalit Bhum on July 7 and 8, respectively, and shortly followed by MSC’s MV Tiphaine on July 10 with traditional exchange of commemorative plaques witnessed by ship officials and owners’ representatives.
MSC’s Lang Co weekly service covers Singapore, Jakarta, Batangas, Manila South, Nansha, Shekou, Quinhon, Danang, Yantian, Shekou, Ho Chi Minh, Vungtau and Tanjung Pepalas. RCL, meanwhile, deploys a vessel and joins the VTX4 service loop covering Batangas, Manila North, Nansha, Hongkong, Sihanoukville, Laem Chabang, and Ho Chi Minh in its weekly port rotation.
The two new services effectively shore up BCT’s trade services to 9 from 7 previously, offering industrial locators in Batangas and nearby businesses with direct and more competitive trade connectivity options that best fit their production and shipping cycles.
“We are very pleased to facilitate faster and smarter trade opportunities via our modern gateway ports in collaboration with our shipping line partners. These trade services add testament to the sustainable growth of Batangas Port as a regional trade enabler and its readiness to handle more CALABARZON volumes as the country sustains its post-pandemic economic recovery,” said William Khoury, ATI director and DP World head for Ports & Terminals in Southeast Asia.
BCT is the biggest and most technologically advanced container terminal south of Manila. It is located within a 60-kilometer radius from major export and industrial zones with unrestricted road connectivity 24/7 via modern highways. Complemented by expansive berths and yards, modern equipment, and pioneering technologies, BCT can handle over 500,000 teus (twenty-foot equivalent units) of foreign containers annually. Moreover, BCT customers can deliver and pick-up containers within an hour of truck entry behind an industry-leading auto-gate system.