International Container Terminal Services, Inc.'s (ICTSI) container handling facility in Cagayan de Oro, Philippines, recently welcomed the return of Wan Hai Lines' Mindanao – Hong Kong – Taiwan (MHT) service.

The port operator said the MHT service resumed calls to MCT on August 3, marked by the arrival of the vessel Wan Hai 231. 

Wan Hai's weekly service will call MCT every Saturday, connecting Subic, Cebu and Mindanao to the bustling trade hubs of Hong Kong and Taiwan.

"The return of the MHT service is a significant development in our efforts to strengthen regional trade connectivity and support the growing Mindanao economy. We are thrilled to re-establish this crucial link that makes international trade more efficient and accessible to businesses in Mindanao," said Aurelio Garcia, MCT chief executive officer.

The re-inclusion of MCT to the service rotation was driven by increasing market demand and economic activity in Mindanao, which has seen an 18% increase in export volume.

A total of 237 containers were handled during the call and majority of the commodities transported included coconut byproducts, falcata lumber and wastepaper.

ICTSI said it looks ahead to a fruitful collaboration of MICT with Wan Hai and the mutual benefits that the reinstated service will bring to the region’s economy.