Luzon-Mindanao RoRo freight service launched

The first Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) service with a direct route connecting Luzon and Mindanao has been inaugurated, the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) announced.

In a news release, the PPA said the maiden voyage of MV 1018, a new Landing Craft Transport (LCT), was launched on June 12, coinciding with the 127th Independence Day.

MV 1018 was the first RoRo service that sailed from Mindanao to Luzon without crossing Samar and Leyte.

The PPA said the direct Luzon to Mindanao RoRo service was an alternative route that aims to ease the traffic build up of trucks lining at ports near the San Juanico Bridge, which currently being repaired.

The MV 1018, owned and operated by Seen Sam Shipping Inc., measures 85 meters and has gross registered tonnage (GRT) na 2,024 metric tons.

The vessel can carry 37 10-wheeler trucks and five six-wheeler vehicles. 

PPA said the service from Lipata Ferry Terminal in Surigao to Port of Bulan in Sorsogon could take up to 21 hours.

The freight charges for the direct Luzon to Mindanao RoRo service are as follows:

P18,000 for six-wheeler Bongo

P30,000 for Canter, Elf, and forward trucks

P44,000 for 20-footer trailers

P115,000 for trailer trucks carrying heavy equipment —VAL, GMA Integrated News