Subic Bay International Terminals (SBITC), International Container Terminal Services, Inc.'s (ICTSI) operation in Zambales, Philippines, recently welcomed the arrival of a new service that expands the Port of Subic's connectivity to South China and Vietnam.

The South China Vietnam Philippines (SVP) service made its inaugural call at the Port of Subic on June 9 with the arrival of the Danum 175, a 1,200-TEU boxship operated by Emirates Shipping Line (ESL).

ICTSI said a new player in the Philippine market, ESL operates the SVP service together with ASEAN Sea Line (ASL) and Pacific International Line (PIL). 

Growing South China, Vietnam trade

The port operator noted that the feeder service, which makes weekly calls to Subic, caters to the growing trade requirements of South China and Vietnam.

It also highlights the free trade agreement between the Philippines and other Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) members, including Vietnam, which faces a growing demand for its agriculture and manufacturing exports.

"The service offers a good opportunity to Northern and Central Luzon traders, who can leverage the increased connectivity to markets in Vietnam and China," said Henry Dungca, SBITC terminal manager.

 [Photo: ICTSI]

The SVP service follows the Shekou – Nansha – Xiamen – Manila North – Subic – Xiamen – Shekou – Nansha – Ho Chi Minh – Shekou port rotation.

ICTSI said with the addition of the SVP service and ESL, SBITC now caters to more than a dozen weekly services and major shipping lines.