By Emmie V. Abadilla

Logistics Holdings Corp. (CLC), which is chaired by Davao businessman Dennis Uy, is further expanding its footprint in the logistics sector, investing about $100 million in six new vessels.

CLC President & CEO Chryss Alfonsus V. Damuy told reporters Friday the new vessels will expand its existing fleet consisting of 16 tankers, 22 RoPax, 11 cargo vessels and 14 tugboats through Chelsea Shipping, Starlite Ferries,Trans-Asia Shipping Lines, Inc. and Fortis Tugs.

“We have long dreamed of having our presence felt in the international waters and to commence our foray into the regional liquid carrier market,” remarked CLC Founder and Chairman Dennis A. Uy at the inauguration of its latest addition – M/T Chelsea Providence and M/V Salve Regina, at the Manila North Harbor.

M/T Chelsea Providence is a 183.3-meter long medium-range oil tanker that can carry up to 54 million liters of petroleum at any given time. The M/V Salve Regina is a roll-on, roll-off vessel which can accommodate more than 500 passengers and 41 vehicles. It is the first brand-new RoPax to service the Batangas-Caticlan route. It was built by Kegoya Dock Co. Ltd., a Japan-based shipbuilder.

“With M/T Chelsea Providence, we hope to support local oil companies in the importation of various petroleum products and in ensuring a reliable supply of fuel for our growing economy,” according to Damuy.

“We also look forward to supporting Philippine tourism, as M/V Salve Regina offers more options for tourists to reach and experience one of the country’s most-visited tourist destinations.”

In addition to these vessels, its investee 2GO Group, Inc. also operates 8 RoPax vessels, 5 cargo vessels, and 11 fastcrafts.

In March this year, CLC also acquired a floating dock named “Chelsea Exuberance”, programmed to keep its fleet in the best condition and optimize the deployment of its ships. Including the floating dock, the fleet now comprises a total of 88 ships.

Aside from expanding its fleet, CLC is expanding its business further by engaging in the development, management and operation of infrastructure facilities and systems.

Established just two years ago, CLC was created to act as the holding company of the shipping and logistics arm business segments of the Udenna Group of Companies.

On August 8, 2017, the company went public and its shares of stock were initially listed at the Philippine Stock Exchange.