EASTERN SHIPPING LINES, INC. was established by the late Cong. James L. Chiongbian in 1957 and acquired it's first vessel Eastern Comet in 1958. In 1960 it added Eastern Galaxy on its fleet and established the Philippines/U.S. West Coast via Japan service. ESL was the first carrier to commence a direct container service between Japan and the Philippines. EASTERN SHIPPING LINES, INC. today maintains a fleet of efficient multi-purpose vessels which have been specifically designed for the commodities and port conditions on Japan/Philippines/Japan Trades.