LABUAN: The MV Baltic Summer of Reefer Express Line Filipinas made its call at Labuan’s containerised port of Labuan Liberty Wharf, here, Monday, with rice cargo on board from Ho Chi Minh.
The maiden voyage of less than two days was on its way to other selected ports within BIMP-EAGA including Davao, Bitung and Sepangar Port as part of its strategic business plan to improve sea connectivity within the BIMP-EAGA region.
Labuan BIMP-EAGA Business Council (BEBC) Chairman Azhar Othman said the services provided by the vessel would give way to the many traders to have possible business ventures with their counterparts from the surrounding regions.
“The arrival of this vessel is also part of the BEBC’s initiative under our transportation cluster to further improve sea connectivity within the region which will boost economic activities here.
“The route is designed to provide direct-to-market BIMP-EAGA service,” he said.
Traders and all interested parties were urged to make use of the service and take this opportunity to expand business beyond their traditional markets.
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Azhar reiterated that BEBC Labuan is fully supportive of the initiative taken by Reefer Filipinas to address the issue of sea connectivity within the countries and islands that make up the regional grouping.
Labuan Liberty Port Management (LLPM) Executive Chairman, Datuk Seri Mohd Alias Abdul Rahman, said LLPM being the Labuan port operator is fully prepared to receive increased cargo handling with the support of the efficiency in the port services.
“LLPM has proven track record having received mother vessels coupled with increased annual cargo through put (TEUS),” he shared.
Meanwhile, Labuan Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chief, Datuk Dahlif Singh, said members of the chamber should take the opportunity of building business rapport with their counterparts in the region.
“The introduction of the new shipping line service augur well to the shipping industry in the sub-regions with importers and exporters expected to increase trade volume,” he said.
Vessel Operations Officer Alexander Villadores Jr, shared that the MV Baltic Summer is able to carry 10,000 MT of bulk dry cargo (for rice, sugar, etc.), and 290 TEUs of containers with 78 reefer points for refrigerated containers.
“Our services also include fast transit time with a cargo from Ho Chi Minh able to arrive (to Labuan) within less than two days as compared to the normal transit period of four to five days.
“The vessel is able to carry any general kind and size of cargo from containerised, reefer to loose cargoes,” he disclosed.
The group spoke to reporters during a joint briefing with Reefer Filipinas here on Monday after welcoming the vessel at the LLPM port.
