Royal Cargo announces IRIS Paoay’s shift of US voyage to intra-Asia service, calling from the Philippines to Thailand and VietNam.
The IRIS Paoay is the first Philippine-flagged ship to sail directly in 30 years, and it has been catering long-haul exports to the US since its maiden voyage on September 23, 2021.
IRIS Logistics made a valorous effort to go long-haul in response to the call of the exporters at the height of shipping woes brought about by the pandemic. However, the current situation will no longer be feasible for IRIS to go to the US on their 5th voyage as the exports they shipped in the first sailings are still mostly in Los Angeles warehouses and could not be delivered inland due to lack of trucking services and congested rail service.
Moreover, another reason for IRIS to steer clear of the US route is the decline of rates. Their vessel is relatively small compared to other container ships, hence cost recovery is a challenge with the current market rates now continuously dropping.
They will continue with their intra-Asia services, but not totally closing their doors for the option to continue with the US route.
IRIS Paoay will be berthing at the Asian Terminals Inc. (ATI) on August 25, 2022 and will depart on August 26, 2022 for the Port of General Santos. Interested exporters may contact Ms. VIRGINIA JAMILA at +63 (2) 333 3000 local 2243 or +63 (917) 561 6840.KJDA