MARINA grants 30-day special permits to 8 vessels to bypass San Juanico Bridge restrictions

The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) has granted 30-day special permits to eight vessels, including seven land craft tank (LCT) vessels and one Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) vessel, to address transport disruptions caused by weight restrictions on the San Juanico Bridge.

This initiative aims to strengthen transport connectivity and ensure the seamless movement of goods and people across the archipelago, in line with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

The affected vessels will operate between Calbayog City in Samar and Ormoc City in Leyte, offering a 13-hour sea trip alternative.

Among the vessels granted special permits are LCT Poseidon 40, MV Poseidon 48, MV Poseidon 50, and MV Poseidon 41, all operated by ALD Sea Transport, with LCT Poseidon 40 operating three times weekly and the others daily.

MV Poseidon 41 also includes Ouano Port in Mandaue City, Cebu in its route.

LCT 668, LCT 888, and MV LCT 1098, operated by Seen Sam Shipping Inc., will also conduct daily trips between Leyte and Samar.

Additionally, RORO vessel MV Lite Ferry 17 was granted a special permit to operate along the Maya, Daanbantayan, Cebu / Polambato, Bogo, Cebu - Calbayog City, Samar route.