The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) has issued 30-day special permits to eight vessels to help ease transport disruptions caused by weight restrictions on the San Juanico Bridge.
In a statement released Thursday, MARINA said the permits cover seven landing craft tank (LCT) vessels and one Roll-on/Roll-off (RORO) vessel operating between Calbayog City in Samar and Ormoc City in Leyte.
“This initiative is in line with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to strengthen transport connectivity and ensure the seamless movement of goods and people across the archipelago,” the agency said.
Four vessels operated by ALD Sea Transport—LCT Poseidon 40, MV Poseidon 48, MV Poseidon 50, and MV Poseidon 41—will service the 13-hour Calbayog–Ormoc route. LCT Poseidon 40 runs thrice weekly (Monday, Wednesday, Friday), while the others operate daily. MV Poseidon 41 also serves Ouano Port in Mandaue City, Cebu.
Seen Sam Shipping Inc. was also granted daily operation permits for LCT 668, LCT 888, and MV LCT 1098 on Leyte–Samar routes.
Meanwhile, RORO vessel MV Lite Ferry 17 received a special permit for the Maya, Daanbantayan, Cebu / Polambato, Bogo, Cebu – Calbayog City, Samar route.
“Opening new LCT/RORO routes is crucial to maintaining inter-island connectivity and strengthening economic resilience amid current infrastructure challenges,” MARINA said.
The move follows Samar province’s declaration of a state of emergency on Tuesday due to restricted cargo movement after the San Juanico Bridge weight limit was imposed. On May 16, the Philippine Ports Authority urged truckers to use RORO vessels as an alternative route.
