Chelsea Logistics Holdings Corp. (CLHC) inaugurated an oil tanker, the Philippines’ biggest vessel to date, and a brand-new roll-on/roll-off passenger (RoPax) ship, the latest additions to its growing fleet.
M/T Chelsea Providence is a 183.3-meter-long, medium-range oil tanker that can carry up to 54 million liters of petroleum at any given time.
“We have long dreamed of having our presence felt in the international waters and to commence our foray into the regional liquid carrier market. Today, we are grateful to welcome our biggest as well as the Philippines’ biggest registered vessel—M/T Chelsea Providence,” CLHC founder and chairman Dennis Uy said at the inauguration rites on October 5 at the Manila North Harbor.
CLHC president and chief executive officer Chryss Alfonsus Damuy said the company, through its new oil tanker, hopes to support local oil companies in importing various petroleum products and in ensuring a reliable supply of fuel.
M/V Salve Regina, on the other hand, is a RoPax that can accommodate more than 500 passengers and 41 vehicles. It is the first brand-new RoPax to service the Batangas-Caticlan route, CLHC noted. The ship was built by Japanese shipbuilder Kegoya Dock Co. Ltd.
“We also look forward to supporting Philippine tourism, as M/V Salve Regina offers more options for tourists to reach and experience one of the country’s most-visited tourist destinations,” Damuy said.
CLHC has been investing in younger and new vessels such as M/V Salve Regina, as part of its fleet expansion program. At present, it operates 16 tankers, 22 RoPax, 11 cargo vessels, and 14 tugboats through subsidiaries Chelsea Shipping, Starlite Ferries, Trans-Asia Shipping Lines, Inc., and Fortis Tugs.
In addition, 2Go Group, Inc., in which CLHC owns a 28.15% indirect economic interest, operates eight RoPax vessels, five cargo vessels, and 11 fastcraft.
CLHC also acquired in March 2018 a floating dock named Chelsea Exuberance, which is programmed to keep its 88-strong fleet in the best condition and optimize the deployment of the ships.
Aside from expanding its fleet, CLHC said it aims to expand its business further by developing, managing, and operating infrastructure facilities and systems. – Text and photo by Roumina Pablo
