Calbayog: The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) has issued a 30-day special permit to seven roll-on, roll-off (RoRo) vessels to operate between Calbayog City in Samar and Ormoc City in Leyte to minimize transport disruption in the region amid limited access to the San Juanico Bridge.
According to Philippines News Agency, given special permits for the 13-hour trip are vessels LCT Poseidon 40, MV Poseidon 48, MV Poseidon 50, and MV Poseidon 41, owned by ALD Sea Transport, MARINA said in its official Facebook page on Tuesday. All vessels have daily trips except for LCT Poseidon 40, with three times weekly trips every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. MV Poseidon 41, meanwhile, also makes stops at Ouano port in Mandaue City, Cebu. Other RoRo vessels with special permits are LCT 668, LCT 888, MV LCT 1098 owned by Seen Sam Shipping, Inc. These vessels have daily trips between the islands of Leyte and Samar.
"This is to help address ongoing transportation and logistics challenges - particularly the movement of goods and essential cargoes from Luzon to the Visayas - caused by the weight restrictions on the San Juanico Bridge," the MARINA regional office here said. Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) Eastern Visayas Regional Director Meylene Rosales said opening of new RoRo routes would mitigate the impact of transport disruptions. "Shipping companies are willing to launch additional routes, and we are happy to see MARINA extending assistance. That's a good opportunity for our businesses to flourish," she said in an interview Tuesday.
Other potential RoRo ports are in Tacloban City; Basey, Samar; and Carigara, Leyte, but these sites need improvements before they can accommodate large vessels. Meanwhile, in anticipation of heavy traffic in Ormoc, the city government and the Philippine Ports Authority have identified three areas outside the city's commercial district to be used as truck stops, but only for those with complete documents and confirmed schedules. Designating truck stops helps in minimizing vehicle congestion at the city proper, particularly along the road leading to the port in Punta village, according to the city government, as it appealed to lot owners to allow their property to be used as temporary parking space.
