Chelsea Logistics and Infrastructure Holdings Corp. (CLIHC) of Davao-based businessman Dennis Uy is aggressively expanding its footprint across the Philippines, targeting high-growth regions nationwide.
The company constantly monitors the activity of various ports in the country, including key performance indicators such as ship calls and throughput.
CLIHC also takes into consideration the expansion initiatives of each port and region to determine potential business opportunities.
“This monitoring process is integrated into the strategic deployment of its fleet,” the company said.
In a bid to boost connectivity and trade, Starlite Ferries Inc. launched its newest route in Romblon province via San Agustin in February 2023. The new route aims to serve and provide connectivity to the islands of Tables, Romblon and Sibuyan.
The weekly schedule of Tuesday and Thursday trips from Batangas to San Agustin, and Wednesday and Friday trips from San Agustin to Batangas, ensure fast and reliable ferry transfer for passengers and improved trade efficiency with direct routes.
In February 2023, SFI also launched its Cebu- Dapitan-Cebu route, which offers a more direct and efficient connection between these 2 important economic centers.
The maritime connectivity between Cebu and Dapitan stimulated the tourism between these two tourist destinations.
SFI serves the Cebu-Dapitan route every Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, while Dapitan to Cebu is every Tuesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
The company is also looking for opportunities to acquire ports, port equipment and facilities, machineries and shipyards which would benefit the company through reduction in costs of operations.
“As we continue to navigate a dynamic business environment, our focus remains on sustainable growth and innovation to meet the evolving needs of our customers,” said Chelsea Logistics president and chief executive Chryss Alfonsus Damuy.
Chelsea Group posted a total revenue of P7.05 billion last year, a 10-percent increase from the previous year’s P6.43 billion. The growth was driven by the continued recovery and expansion in its passage and freight segments.
This resulted in the company successfully reducing its net loss by 55 percent to P1.14 billion in 2023 from P2.53 billion in 2022, despite challenges in the broader economic environment.
“The continued financial progress we have made this year is a testament to our team’s dedication and strategic focus,” said chief financial officer Ignacia Braga IV.
“We are optimistic about the future as we continue to strengthen our financial position and pursue opportunities for growth,” he said.
Established in 2016, Chelsea Logistics is the fastest-growing shipping and logistics company in the Philippines. As a subsidiary of Udenna Corp., the company operates across key segments including charter, passage, freight, tugboat services and logistics.