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RCL adds Batangas call in Phillipines after Manila congestion

RCL adds Batangas call in Phillipines after Manila congestion
Regional Container Lines (RCL) is joining a growing number of lines call at Batangas port in the Philippines after capital Manila was hit with congestion.

Bangkok-headquartered RCL is adding Batangas to its Singapore – Manila service from 10 August.

RCL along with an undisclosed partner will operate the service with two 1,700 teu vessels.

“The Philippines has enjoyed strong economic growth in the past several years and rapid development as a result,” said Sumate Tanthuwanit, president of RCL.

“With road and terminal traffic having growing considerably within metro Manila and its surrounding areas. It is important that we offer our customers to have that choice of location and cost structure that best meet their needs”.

Manila has suffered major congestion this year after the city government severely limited truck traffic in the city in an effort to reduce the capital’s infamous traffic jams. The result was though congestion at the port with tens of thousands of containers piling up in the box terminals.

A 24-hour truck lane has now been introduced from the port area but the authorities have also introduced incentives for shipping lines to call the lesser used ports of Batangas and Subic Bay, which are relatively close to Manila.