- Newly launched MV 2GO Maligaya is currently the most technologically advanced RoPax vessel in the Philippines
- The RoPax newbuild is the biggest in 2GO’s fleet, able to carry 40% more cargo compared to the others
- With a top speed of 23.5 knots, it can sail from Manila to Cebu in only 17 hours, making it the fastest cargo vessel in the Philippines today
- MV 2GO Maligaya joins the group’s fleet of 10 vessels servicing 20 major ports of call in the Philippines
2GO Group Inc. on May 12 launched its newest and biggest roll-on/roll-off passenger (RoPax) vessel, the MV 2GO Maligaya.
Set to sail this month, the vessel is currently the most technologically advanced RoPax vessel in the Philippines, 2GO said in a statement.
READ: New 2GO ship to go on domestic service in May
The 195-meter MV 2GO Maligaya has a 26.4-meter breadth and gross tonnage of 29,046 and can accommodate more cargoes (40% more twenty-foot equivalent units of cargo) and passengers (800 in bigger rooms and common areas) compared to the other ships in the company’s fleet.
Featuring a top speed of 23.5 knots, MV 2GO Maligaya is also the fastest cargo vessel in the Philippines today, able to sail from Manila to Cebu in only 17 hours.
With the vessel, 2GO said it aims to further improve its on-time sailing schedule reliability to 95%.
The MV 2GO Maligaya was acquired as part of the group’s fleet modernization efforts to ensure high speed and reliability in the movement of essential goods nationwide, while at the same time upgrading sea travel onboard experience.
2GO chief finance officer William Howell, in a virtual press conference after the May 12 launch, said the group in 2019 decided to embark on a multi-year fleet modernization program.
In naming the vessel, 2GO assistant vice president for marketing Blessie Cruz said: “‘Maligaya’ is one of the defining qualities with which the Filipino is known for around the world. ‘Masaya’ is a happy feeling, but ‘Maligaya’ has a sense of deep joy and youthfulness. As a travel brand, we believe this is reflective of the kind of journey and service that you get from 2GO.”
Made by Japanese shipbuilders and with a German-made main engine, MV 2GO Maligaya is equipped with the latest international shipping standards and technologies, which include an integrated navigation and control system, advanced fire alarm systems, and multiple collision bulkheads as a collision mitigating support.
The vessel is also compliant with the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea and the International Association of Classification Societies. It is also fuel efficient and is ready to comply with the low-sulfur vessel fuel requirement under IMO 2020.
MV 2GO Maligaya joins the group’s fleet of 10 vessels servicing 20 major ports of call in the Philippines. It is set to sail this month, linking Manila, the Visayas, and Mindanao via 2GO’s Manila-Cebu-Cagayan de Oro route.
2GO is an integrated transportation and logistics provider, whose units include 2GO Sea Solutions, 2GO Special Containers, 2GO Logistics, 2GO Distribution, and 2GO Express.
