Visayas Container Terminal handles first gearless vessel

Visayas Container Terminal (VCT), operated by International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI) at the Port of Iloilo, welcomed the first gearless vessel to call in the Western Visayas Region. The MV Otana Bhum, operated by Regional Container Lines (RCL), made its inaugural visit to VCT on 9 January, marking a milestone in port operations and trade for the region.

The call highlights VCT’s upgraded capabilities following the September 2024 delivery of two new mobile harbor cranes (MHCs), which are meant to handle the latest shipping requirements and enable the terminal to serve larger vessels.

The MV Otana Bhum, measuring 147 meters in length and with a capacity of 1,022 TEUs, operates under RCL’s Singapore-Philippines 6 (RSP6) service, which connects Singapore, Iloilo, Zamboanga, Cebu, and Tagoloan, providing important links between regional and international trade hubs.

“The arrival of the Otana Bhum shows that the port is ready to handle larger vessels and strengthens Iloilo’s role in regional trade,” said John Largo, VICT chief executive officer.

This arrival signals increased trade opportunities for the region and reinforces VCT’s goal of reducing reliance on transshipment ports by providing direct access to global markets.