Chelsea Logistics and Infrastructure Holdings Corp. expects the delivery of a brand-new roll on roll off (RORO) passenger vessel from Japan by April this year.
The M/V Startlite Venu, a RoRo vessel from Kegoya Dock Ltd. measuring 97.78 meters in length, has a carrying capacity of 740 passengers, 22 buses and six trucks.
The delivery marks Chelsea Group’s 11th brand new Ropax made in Japan.
“We are thrilled to start the year with the launch of M/V Starlite Venus. Every time we launch a brand-new vessel, we feel a sense of confidence on our business model and our commitment to provide better maritime transport for all Filipinos. We thank our long-time partner, Kegoya Dock, for this launching ceremony and for making our modernization program possible,” said Chelsea president and chief executive officer Chryss Alfonsus Damuy.
“We are certain that our close working relations with them will help Chelsea fulfill its domestic commitments and regional aspirations,” he added.
The newest passenger ferry ship brings Chelsea’s fleet to 74 vessels, consisting of 22 roll-on/roll-off passenger vessels, 11 fastcrafts, nine cargo ships, 16 tankers, 13 tugboats and two floating docks through units Chelsea Shipping Corp., Starlite Ferries Inc., Trans-Asia Shipping Lines Inc. and Supercat Fast Ferry Corp.
The company is engaged in shipping and logistics businesses with key segments divided into charter, passage, freight, tugboat services and logistics services.
Chelsea Logistics earlier secured clearance from the National Economic and Development Authority -Investment Coordination Committee to modernize the Davao International Airport.
The company plans to spending P49 billion for the modernization of DIA.
The modernization of DIA is expected to bring the economic growth of Davao Region and Mindanao to a higher level through increased trade and tourism activities.
The scope of the project includes reconfiguration and expansion of the terminal building, construction of a parallel taxiway, improvement of airside and landside facilities, installation of modern airport IT systems, and all activities needed to improve airport services of DIA.
The airport is the primary gateway to Mindanao and the third largest in the country.