-
The Maritime Industry Authority granted pioneer status to Lite Shipping Corp.’s new roll-on/roll-off (Ro-Ro) ferry
-
The MV Lite Ferry Seven will serve the Oslob, Cebu to Dapitan City and Dipolog City routes
-
Launched on April 22, the vessel was classed by IACS-member Rina of Italy
-
MV Lite Ferry Seven is a 72-meter long 2,450 gross tons ferry with a capacity of 300 passengers, 18 ten-wheeler trucks, and 10 cars
Lite Shipping Corp.’s new roll-on/roll-off (ro-ro) ferry was granted pioneer status by the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA).
Launched on April 22, the MV Lite Ferry Seven will serve the Oslob, Cebu to Dapitan City and Dipolog City routes.
New and existing domestic shipowners/operators who will introduce International Association of Classification Societies (IACS)-classed brand new or newly-constructed ships on their respective authorized or applied routes may be granted pioneer status and entitled to incentives.
MV Lite Ferry Seven was classed by IACS-member Rina of Italy, MARINA said in a statement.
The granting of pioneer status is pursuant to Executive Order No. 909, issued in 2010, which seeks to encourage ship owners and operators to invest in newly built and brand-new vessels for the domestic shipping industry by providing certain incentives for six years.
The 72-meter long, 2,450-gross ton ferry is capable of transporting 300 passengers, 18 ten-wheeler trucks, and 10 cars. The vessel, built in China and completed in 2022, features standard and tourist accommodations.
MV Lite Ferry Seven is part of Lite Shipping’s re-fleeting program over the past decade, with almost half of the fleet acquired brand new and a fourth below 20 years of age upon acquisition.
MARINA administrator Hernani Fabia said the launch marks a major milestone in Dipolog City’s continued growth as a tourist destination in Bohol.
Lite Shipping’s brand, Lite Ferries, operates in 32 destinations, bridging the provinces of Sorsogon, Samar, Northern Samar, Leyte, Southern Leyte, Cebu, Bohol, Negros Oriental, Negros Occidental, Siquijor, Surigao del Norte, Agusan del Norte, Misamis Oriental, Misamis Occidental, and Zamboanga del Norte as part of the Strong Republic Nautical Highway.
RELATED READ: PCC pitches review of pioneer status policy in domestic shipping
