MANILA – A milestone in Philippine transportation was reached with the launch of the first-ever Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) service connecting Luzon and Mindanao directly, bypassing the usual route through Samar and Leyte.
According to the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), the new service was inaugurated on June 12 aboard the MV 1018, a newly deployed Landing Craft Transport (LCT), marking the country’s 127th Independence Day with a historic first voyage.
The MV 1018, operated by Seen Sam Shipping Inc., spans 85 meters and has a gross registered tonnage of 2,024 metric tons. It can carry up to 37 10-wheeler trucks and five 6-wheeler vehicles.
This direct RoRo service between Lipata Ferry Terminal in Surigao and the Port of Bulan in Sorsogon is expected to alleviate port congestion near the San Juanico Bridge, which is currently undergoing repairs. The sea journey takes approximately 21 hours.
Freight rates are as follows:
- ₱18,000 for 6-wheeler Bongo trucks
- ₱30,000 for Canter, Elf, and forward trucks
- ₱44,000 for 20-foot trailers
- ₱115,000 for trailers carrying heavy machinery