China-based automotive logistics provider Anji Shipping, Inc. embarked on a maiden call in the Philippines last week with a car carrier that discharged trucks and sedans at two ports.
Following a four-and-a-half day sail from Yantai in China, the 1,500-car-capacity vessel Anji 11 berthed at the Manila South Harbor on August 24 to discharge 76 trucks. The following day, it unloaded 176 Chevrolet vehicles at Batangas port before heading back to China.
Patrick Liu, managing director of COSCO Philippines Shipping, Inc., Anji 11’s local agent, said the voyage is part of the thrust to boost the car manufacturing industry in China, where local and foreign car manufacturers currently have hubs. Aside from trucks and sedans, Anji can also transport buses and other kinds of vehicles to the Philippines, Liu told PortCalls in an interview during the vessel’s welcome ceremonies at the South Harbor.
He said there are plans to call at other ports in the country such as General Santos, but added that there was no firm schedule yet as the voyage would depend on demand.
COSCO Philippines general manger Virgilio Angeles noted an upsurge in the country’s automotive industry.
Sales of the Philippine automotive market have been growing an average 44,750 units over the past four years.
China Shipping Agency Co., Ltd. is the foreign agent of the voyage. COSCO and China Shipping Group merged earlier this year, creating China-COSCO Shipping Corp. – Text and photos by Roumina Pablo
