Visayas Container Terminal (VCT), operated by International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI) at the Port of Iloilo welcomed the first gearless vessel to the Western Visayas region.
MV Otana Bhum, operated by Regional Container Lines (RCL), made its inaugural call at VCT on Jan. 9, 2025, marking a significant milestone in port operations and trade connectivity for the region.
The call underscores VCT’s enhanced capabilities following the September 2024 delivery of two brand-new mobile harbor cranes (MHC) as part of ICTSI’s commitment to expanding and upgrading the terminal’s facilities.
The MHCs are designed to handle the latest shipping requirements, enabling VCT to serve the larger gearless vessels.
MV Otana Bhum has a length of 147 meters and a capacity of 1,022 TEUs. It sails under the RCL Singapore-Philippines 6 (RSP6) service, which rotates through the ports of Singapore, Iloilo, Zamboanga, Cebu and Tagoloan and provides critical connections across key regional and international trade hubs.
“The arrival of RCL’s Otana Bhum not only highlights our port’s world-class capabilities but also demonstrates our commitment to fostering economic growth in the region. This development positions Iloilo as a key player in the Visayas, offering enhanced connectivity and efficient services for shipping lines and stakeholders,” said VICT chief executive John Largo.
The vessel’s arrival represents a significant leap forward for the entire Visayas region as it sets the stage for increased trade opportunities, streamlined operations and strengthened global connectivity.
VCT’s modern facilities and ICTSI’s continuous investments reflect a shared vision of transforming Iloilo into a premiere international gateway, reducing reliance on transshipment ports and creating direct access to global markets.
The terminal is supported by an extensive regional road network that helps drive regional trade and market expansion for Western Visayas’ leading agriculture and fisheries exports.
