INTEGRATED transport and logistics provider 2GO Group Inc. made a “significant investment” in acquiring its youngest roll-on/roll-off passenger vessel, unveiling the ship on late Wednesday.
Called MV 2GO Maligaya, the vessel will link Manila, Visayas, and Mindanao via its Manila-Cebu-Cagayan de Oro operations. It can also carry as much as 40 percent more cargo capacity than 2GO’s current fleet of vessels. According to 2GO CFO Will Howell, the acquisition of the new vessel is part of the company’s fleet modernization efforts to provide high speed and reliability in the movement of essential goods nationwide, while at the same time upgrading sea travel onboard experience.
“The vessel is from Japan. Without going into the full details of the cost, what I can tell you is that 2GO has made a significant investment in the vessel primarily to modernize our fleet. This vessel helps us with our capabilities so we can provide that end-to-end supply chain to our end customers,” he said during a press briefing.
Howell added that this investment is part of 2GO’s strategy and plans even before the pandemic. The new vessel, he said, will provide 2GO an early lead in terms of picking up the demand once sea voyage returns to normal.
“The economy will recover this year, and perhaps next year, the logistics and supply side as well,” he said.
2GO COO Waldo Basilla said the new vessel shows the company’s leadership in the industry.
“This is a manifestation of 2GO’s commitment in providing superior products and services to our customers. The new addition complements the broader service offerings of the other business units under the 2GO Group. As a major player in the industry, it is imperative for us to take the lead in product innovation and unparalleled service to keep in step with world-class standards,” he said.
MV 2GO Maligaya adds to the company’s current fleet of 10 ships, which serve 20 major ports of call in the Philippines. The ship is set to sail its maiden voyage this month.
Read full article on BusinessMirror