NEPTUNE Orient Lines' will further expand its inter-island Philippines' shipping network next year to cope with booming trade.
Tan Hai Yeen, general manager of Lorenzo Shipping - NOL's subsidiary in the Philippines, said the line plans to set up a container yard in Cebu as it will start calling at that port from next year.
NOL controls a 40 per cent stake in Lorenzo, with the rest held by Philippines partners.
Mr Tan said the new yard, to be located on a leased one-hectare site in Cebu, is expected to start operations in February.
As part of an overall route restructuring plan, Lorenzo also will re-deploy the 20-year-old Lorcon Mindanao and Lorcon Luzon to sail from Manila to Cebu and Cagayan de Oro.
The two 400-TEU (20 ft equivalent unit) chartered vessels, which Lorenzo has an option to buy, now sail between Manila, Davao and General Santos.
Next January, Lorenzo will add two more ships to its six-strong fleet. It is seeking tonnage of about 10 to 15 years old and able to carry about 350 TEUs.
