2GO unveils new passenger vessel; maiden voyage set for May 23

2GO Group Inc., the country’s largest integrated transportation and logistics provider, on Tuesday unveiled its newly acquired passenger vessel from Japan and set its maiden voyage later this month.

At a virtual event, 2GO unveiled its newest state-of-the-art vessel named “MV 2GO Maligaya.”

MV 2GO Maligaya is an addition to 2GO’s current fleet of up to 10 ships, servicing 20 major ports of call in the Philippines.

The acquisition of the MV 2GO Maligaya is part of the company’s fleet modernization efforts to provide high speed and reliability in the movement of essential goods nationwide, while at the same time upgrading sea travel onboard experience.

“This is a manifestation of 2GO’s commitment in providing superior products and services to our customers. The new addition complements the broader service offerings of the other business units under the 2GO Group.  As a major player in the industry, it is imperative for us to take the lead in product innovation and unparalleled service to keep in step with world-class standards,” said 2GO chief operating officer Waldo Basilla.

Basilla said the new vessel’s maiden voyage is set for May 23 and will sail Cebu and Cagayan de Oro.

Made by Japanese shipbuilders and with a German main engine, the MV 2GO Maligaya, according to 2G, embodies the latest international shipping standards and technologies, including an integrated navigation and control system, advanced fire alarm systems, and multiple collision bulkheads as a collision mitigating support, among others.

The MV 2GO Maligaya is the most technologically advanced roll-on, roll-off passenger (ROPAX) ship that has set sail in the Philippine waters, it said.

MV 2GO Maligaya is a larger ship that can carry 40% more twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU) of cargo capacity compared to 2GO’s current fleet of vessels.

It will link Manila, Visayas, and Mindanao via its Manila-Cebu-Cagayan de Oro route.

With a top speed of 23.5 knots, it reduces steaming time from Manila to Cebu to only 17 hours making it the fastest cargo vessel in the Philippines today.  

With the vessel’s addition, 2GO aims to further improve sailing schedule reliability to 95% on time.

“‘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,” said Blessie Cruz, 2GO assistant vice president for Marketing. -MDM, GMA News