Negros Navigation Co., Inc. (NENACO) was one of the oldest domestic shipping companies in the Philippines.[1] It was also one of the largest companies in the passenger transport business in the Philippines.[2] Its main hub was the renowned Pier 2 in Manila North Harbor. NENACO later merged with SuperCat, SuperFerry and Cebu Ferries to form 2GO Travel, the second largest Philippine shipping merger next to the William Lines-Gothong Lines-Aboitiz Shipping merger (WG&A) in 1996. At the same time, the China-Asean Investment Cooperation Fund, a private equity fund wholly owned by the government of the People's Republic of China through an equity infusion, gained a controlling interest in Negros Navigation and subsequently changed the company into the 2GO Group with 2GO Travel, its shipping-company subsidiary.
It was organized and registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on July 26, 1932, for the purpose of transporting passengers and cargo at ports of call in the Philippines.
In the 1960s Nenaco was the first among the domestic shipping companies to operate brand new, fast and luxurious air conditioned passenger ships. In the 70s, it was first to construct and operate a modern passenger terminal in Manila's North Harbor and likewise pioneered in offering special cruises to the Philippine tourist spots using its coastwise vessels. In the 1980s Nenaco launched its containerization program and ushered a new industry trend on the use of roll-on roll-off (“RORO”) vessels. It also deploys shuttle buses in Baclaran, Cubao and Alabang which takes passengers to the pier terminal.[3]
In the 1990s, Nenaco became the first Philippine shipping company to be listed in the stock exchange. Proceeds amounting to P916.86 million from the initial public offering (IPO) were used to support the “Globalization Program” of the company that involved fleet expansion and service modernization.
St Michael of the Archangel, the last Negros Navigation vessel still operating
Some of Negros Navigation's vessels were transferred to 2GO Travel. St. Michael of the Archangel is the last Negros Navigation vessel that is still operating but it will retire soon because of 2GO's Fleet Modernization Program. The sinking of the M/V Don Juan serves as an inspiration for the grandiose Masskara FestivalinBacolod City. Banago Port, Bacolod City built by Negros Navigation during the 1940's is still operating and is used by FastCat for its Bacolod-Dumangas operations.
On April 22, 1980, MV Don Juan, which was bound for Bacolod City, sank 20 nautical miles (37 km) off Maestre de Campo Island, Romblon after colliding with the oil tanker M/T Tacloban City. Reported casualties were 18 dead and 115 missing, with 745 survivors.[4][5][6] This incident later served as an inspiration for the grandiose MassKara FestivalofBacolod.
