Shipping sector leads CV transport industry growth

CEBU, Philippines - The transportation industry of Central Visayas enjoyed a brisk growth in 2012 led by the shipping sector, a latest report from the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA-7) revealed.

Meanwhile, despite the less impressive performance of the aviation industry compared to the preceding year, the sector’s growth was still considered “good enough” for the players to remain bullish.

The vibrant tourism industry in the region fueled the growth of the airline industry. According to NEDA-7 a larger number of passengers and cargo were transported in 2012 from levels a year ago.

The opening of additional flights from the region to other local, as well as international destinations contributed to the growth of passenger and cargo traffic in the regional airport facilities.

Cebu Pacific Air (CEB) for one, added flights from and to Cebu to seven destinations in the Philippines; namely; Manila, Boracay, Dipolog, Kalibo, Legazpi, Pagadian, and Siargo.

The airline also increased seat capacity for its Cebu Bacolod, Cagayan de Oro, Iloilo, and General Santos flights.

At the international front, CEB launched its twice weekly direct flights from Cebu to Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok last December 2012.

Central Visayas also hosted new entrants in the airline industry last year, with the entry of MidSea Express and Eagle TransAsia Airways.

Number of flights in the region grew by 9.01 percent in 2012, while passenger volume both in local and international flights increased by 7.02 percent.

Like the aviation industry, the shipping sector also benefited from the dynamic tourism industry as well as a moderate growth of the trade.

According to NEDA regional performance report, the shipping industry turned in a much encouraging record in 2012 compared to its growth registered in 2011.

The shipping industry registered a double-digit growth in both ship calls and cargo traffic.

Shipcalls performance improved by 17.87 percent, while passenger volume slightly grew by  0.81 percent.

A larger number of foreign vessels passing through the Tagbilaran port and the port of Philippine Mining Service Corporation in Bohol contributed to the rise of shipcalls.

Likewise, the deployment of additional vessels bound for Dumaguete City (Negros Oriental) by Maayo Shipping,Inc. and the opening of the Matiao Port in the Municipality of Sibulan (Negros Oriental) also boosted ship traffic in the region.

Despite a still weak global economy, there was a surge in the volume of cargo, including container cargo, handled by region’s ports destined for local and international markets.

Cargo and container traffic registered double digit growths in 2012 of 22 percent and percent, respectively. This is considered as a welcome development after a dismal performance of cargo in 2011.

A rise in the shipment of crude miner also by the Philippine Mining Service Corporation helped boost foreign cargo traffic, the report indicated.

Growth of domestic cargo was likewise boosted by increased shipment of cement, cereals and bottled products. /JOB (FREEMAN)