MARINA grants permits for 8 vessels to boost Leyte-Samar transport

The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) has issued a 30-day special permit for eight vessels, including seven land craft tank (LCT) and one Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo), to operate between Calbayog City in Samar and Ormoc City in Leyte, addressing transport disruptions caused by weight restrictions on the San Juanico Bridge.

Among these are LCT Poseidon 40, MV Poseidon 48, MV Poseidon 50, and MV Poseidon 41 operated by ALD Sea Transport with daily service except for LCT Poseidon 40 which operates three times weekly (Monday, Wednesday, and Friday).

MV Poseidon 41 also stops at Ouano port in Mandaue City, Cebu.

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

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

These initiatives aim to strengthen transport connectivity as directed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., ensuring seamless movement of goods and people across the archipelago.