Delivery completed on 20 December 2024; broker also becomes charterer for the Saigon–Philippines route.

HANOI/SAIGON — SVC Marine has sold the sister general-cargo vessels Dong An and Dong Thinh in a single transaction to a regional operator planning a dedicated rice corridor from Saigon to the Philippines. Under a separate agreement, SVC Marine acts as charterer on the lane, securing steady liftings of essential rice for the neighbouring market.

Key facts

MV Dong An

LOA 98.17 m; Beam 18.80 m; Summer draft 7.429 m; DWT 7,091 t.
Gear: 4 × derrick booms (10 t, 19 m reach).
Capacities: Grain 13,789.79 m³; Bale 12,633.65 m³.
Main engine: Makita LS42L, about 2,500 kW; service speed ~12.5 kn.

MV Dong Thinh

LOA 98.17 m; Beam 18.80 m; Summer draft 7.429 m; DWT 7,088 t.
Gear: 4 × derrick booms (10 t, 19 m reach).
Capacities: Grain 13,789.79 m³; Bale 12,633.65 m³.
Main engine: Makita LS42L, about 2,500 kW; service speed ~12.5 kn.

Closing

Delivery: 20 December 2024 (Vietnam).
Use case: Dedicated Saigon–Philippines shuttle for bagged/bulk rice with geared self-handling at smaller ports.
Role of SVC: Broker and charterer (time-charter/COA basis).

The story behind the deal

The buyer sought matched, self-sustaining tonnage with derricks to serve draft-restricted Philippine ports and minimise shore gear dependence. SVC Marine packaged the two vessels as a one-call solution, aligned survey windows, and harmonised documentation so the pair could deliver together and sail directly into service. Charter commitments arranged by SVC anchored the lane’s economics from day one.

“Pairing the ships and securing employment up front de-risked the project for all parties,” an SVC Marine spokesperson said. “It’s a practical answer to food-staple logistics: reliable ships, regular sailings, predictable capacity.”