Calbayog-Cebu fast craft service rolls next month

MANILA, Philippines — A brand new fast craft service that will link Calbayog City, Samar and Cebu for the first time is set to be operational next month, the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) said.

MV Sea Cat One, a 300-seater air-conditioned vessel managed by VS Grand Ferries Corp., will offer two daily trips from Calbayog to Cebu and vice-versa starting next month.

The new fast craft service will significantly cut travel time to five hours from the usual 12-hour travel time from Calbayog to Cebu.

Marina administrator Rey Leonardo Guerrero lauded the efforts of VS Grand Ferries and the local government of Samar in improving sea transportation.

“This strong and responsive effort is what the Department of Transportation and the Marina look forward to from all its partners and stakeholders. Undeniably, development like this contributes to the transformation of the Philippines into a more connected nation through an efficient sea transport system,” Guerrero said.

VS Grand Ferries is a newly-registered corporation and duly-accredited by Marina.

Marina also recognized the support of the Department of Finance in the continuous provision of incentives through the grant of VAT exemption on the acquisition of MV Sea Cat One.

Shipping personnel are undergoing vessel operations and management training in a shipyard in Balamban, Cebu pending commencement of operations of the fast craft service.

Marina is encouraging new players and investors in the country’s domestic shipping industry to modernize local ships by making them globally-competitive and technologically-responsive.