ATI, Iris Lines launch historic inter-Asia trade link via MSH
February 27, 2023
Faster and smarter trade connectivity options continue to expand through Asian Terminals Inc.’s (ATI) gateway port Manila South Harbor as more international shipping lines launch new services directly linking the Philippines to major port hubs in the Asian region.
Iris Lines, Inc., the shipping division of Royal Cargo, recently commenced its Singapore-Thailand Express (STX) Service through ATI’s premier port, marked by the historic sailing of MV Iris Paoay – the first Philippine-registered international container vessel to offer regional connectivity in decades.
STX connects Manila, Singapore, Bangkok, and Laem Chabang on a weekly port rotation using vessels deployed by Iris Lines and its partner Pacific International Lines.
Port stakeholders lauded the new service which facilitates greater market accessibility for Philippine importers and exporters at a time of trade recovery.
In a courtesy meeting with stakeholders, Port of Manila district collector Michael Angelo DC Vargas assured customers and shippers of the Bureau of Customs’ full support for the new trade service, guaranteeing seamless processing of cargoes and active coordination with ATI, which has remained the hallmark of efficiency and trade facilitation in the gateway port.
“We are very pleased to host another first for the industry through the historic launching of the STX Service which utilizes Iris Lines’ MV Paoay, the country’s first Philippine-registered international container vessel. This milestone is another testament to the strong partnership between ATI and international carriers which enables us to make smarter and faster trade happen in support of the growing Philippines economy,” ATI director and DP World Philippines president and CEO William Khoury said.
Earlier, ATI welcomed MV Kota Hakim of Emirates Shipping Line and MV Kota Hapas of Pacific International Lines as they marked their maiden voyage and launched more inter-Asia connectivity via Manila South Harbor.
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