2GO backs govt move to modernize sea transport

2GO backs govt move to modernize sea transport
Genivi Verdejo October 19, 2022 https://www.manilatimes.net/2022/10/19/business/maritime/2go-backs-govt-...

2GO Group Inc. has modernized its ships and continued its operations during the pandemic to support the country's measures to revive the economy.

2GO President and CEO Frederic DyBuncio said shipping is vital in the supply chain of businesses across the Philippines and it is one of the key industries that supported the country's continued economic growth.

2GO supported the Department of Transportation (DOTr)'s renewed calls to modernize maritime transport and logistics to boost efforts to reopen the economy and revive domestic tourism.

"We acquired two new vessels at the height of the pandemic last year. MV 2GO Maligaya and MV 2GO Masagana are now two of the largest and fastest vessels in the entire Philippines," DyBuncio told Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista during his recent visit to MV 2GO Maligaya at the Manila North Harbor.

"We remain committed to supporting the modernization plans of the government and all of the initiatives of the DOTr," he said.

2GO posted a net income of P109 million in the second quarter and P74 million in net income for the first six months of 2022, despite the impacts of the pandemic.

"Our speed is faster than any freighter service. It's almost double at 17 knots compared to the industry," said 2GO Sea Solutions Head of Sales Sharon Musngi-Ngo.

2GO supported the government's relief efforts when Typhoon "Odette" devastated parts of the Visayas and Mindanao last year. It transported 500 tons of essential goods port-to-port, free of charge from Manila to Cebu, Tagbilaran, Cagayan de Oro and Ozamis, and worked closely with One Meralco Foundation to transport nine basket trucks together with Meralco's linemen and engineers to help restore the power in the affected areas of Cebu and Bohol.

"We're always happy to help all our partners in the maritime industry — the DOTr, Philippine Ports Authority, the Philippine Coast Guard, Maritime Industry Authority, and our terminal operator, NorthPort. All of us here are part of the same team," said DyBuncio.