Oro port manager Efren Bollozos said Aboitiz has already acquired the 4-hectare land near CDO port, owned by rice trader Capicor, to expand the shipping lines’ operations.

"We expect that this will boost the performance of the port particularly on freight," he said.

Bollozos claimed there had been negotiations prior to the closing of the deal, as Aboitiz felt the price was too high. He said both parties asked the Bureau of Internal Revenue for reevaluation to determine the real capital gains value of the property.

Bollozos said Aboitiz’ new container freight will complement port operations and reduce the congestion, bringing in efficiency and faster turn around time of cargoes.

ATS has a fleet of 7 and sails to 15 ports all over the Philippines, including Bacolod , Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Coron, Cotabato, Davao , Dumaguete, General Santos, Iligan, Iloilo , Manila , Ozamis, Puerto Princesa, Tagbilaran, and Zamboanga.

ATS has expanded its freight business and integrated logistic solution by converting the unused passenger capacity of Super Ferry 12 and Super Ferry 9 for Ro-Ro service.

It partnered with AP Moller Maersk Group and formed the joint venture company, MCC Transport Philippines, to offer regular weekly sailings, servicing the ports of Manila , Cebu and Cagayan de Oro.

The company aims to grow its Ro-Ro share of the total freight business to over 30 percent and see the 2GO freight business evolving towards increasing capacity and roll-on roll -off movements.

The company’s vessels will bring up capacity by 204 containers round trip.

"Containerized shipping, both local and international, is very active and the investments being put up by ATS and Del Monte Fresh will reduce the needed outlays to gear up the port," Bollozos said.

For the first quarter, Aboitiz reported total consolidated revenues of P3 billion, up 17 percent from last year’s same period of P2.5 billion.