Chelsea Logistics expands fleet with 2 new ships

Dennis Uy-led shipping firm Chelsea Logistics Corp. was expanding its fleet with the launch of two new vessels, an investment worth around $50 million.

The listed company inaugurated the latest additions to its fleet — M/T Chelsea Providence and M/V Salve Regina — at the Manila North Harbor Port on Friday.

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 while the M/V Salve Regina is a roll-on, roll-off vessel which can accommodate more than 500 passengers and 41 vehicles.

The new vessel will service the Batangas-Caticlan route.

Chelsea Logistics currently has a 83-strong fleet, comprised of 16 tankers, 20 RoRo passenger ships, nine cargo vessels, and 14 tugboats through Chelsea Shipping, Starlite Ferries, Trans-Asia Shipping Lines Inc. and Fortis Tugs.

Its investor, 2GO Group Inc., operates eight RoRo passenger vessels, five cargo vessels, and 11 fastcraft.

“We have long dreamed of having our presence felt in the international waters and to commence our foray into the regional liquid carrier market. Today, we are grateful to welcome our biggest as well as the Philippines’ biggest registered vessel – M/T Chelsea Providence,” Chelsea Logistics founder and chairman Dennis Uy said.

“In our efforts to provide better customer experience, safe and reliable journey, and convenient travel, the Chelsea Group has been investing in younger vessels and presently brand-new ones, including the one we are on board right now – the M/V Salve Regina.”

For his part, Chelsea Logistics president and CEO Chryss Alfonsus Damuy said that the company hoped to support local oil companies with the M/T Chelsea Providence in the importation of various petroleum products and in ensuring a reliable supply of fuel for our growing economy.

“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,” Damuy said. — John Ted Cordero/DVM, GMA News