A MAJOR local cargo-shipping company on Saturday said it is continuing a refleeting program with newer and bigger capacity vessels.
The purchase of new ships was anchored on improved berth facilities at the Manila North Harbor.
Solid Shipping Lines, a member of Philippine Liner Shipping Association (PLSA), has nine container cargo vessels that call mainly the Southern and Northern Mindanao ports.
Commissioning a reputable Japanese shipbuilder to build four brand-new ships, the latest in the fleet is set to arrive in the fourth quarter of next year. The new vessels are Solid Marine, Solid Gem and Solid Harbor, which each having a capacity of close to 300 twenty equivalent units (TEUs).
Quirimon A. Tan Jr., Solid Shipping general manager, said, “To maintain our position as the most reliable domestic shipping company, we offer consistently high standards of direct cargo services through our excellent customer service, connectivity, transparency and technology.”
Tan said its productivity at Manila North Harbor is about 21 berth moves or boxes per hour with the use of self-sustaining gears.
“Our efficient and high productivity is the result of our collaboration with the team of MNHPI, terminal operator of the port.”
He added: “MNHPI has, indeed, developed the terminal into a world-class port. It is a professionally run terminal and we continue to expect the efficiencies to be sustained and even improved.”
Raul L. Quisumbing, MNHPI vice president for commercial services, said the growth at the terminal is strongly on an upward trend. “We are seeing growth in volumes to and from the various provinces, a good indication of our country’s ever robust economy.”