5 RoPax expand domestic fleet

As the administration is envisioned to make the Philippines a premier maritime hub, a domestic player in the shipping industry announced the arrival of its five new RoPax vessels, aiming to address the scarcity of domestic ships plying in the archipelago.

The arrival of the five RoPax last 5 June, delivered by Singapore-based Greenbay Marine, ordered by Archipelago Philippine Ferries Corp., operator of FastCat Ferries, coincided with the visit of Singaporean Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Lawrence Wong to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

RoPax ferries are vessels that combine the features of a cruise ship and night cabins with a roll-on/roll-off ferry.

Christopher Pastrana, president of APFC, said the timing of Prime Minister Wong's visit was particularly noteworthy given the simultaneous delivery of five RoPax vessels by Greenbay Marine to APFC.

This significant transaction further strengthens the robust relationship between Singapore and the Philippines, extending beyond traditional areas to encompass transportation, shipping, and even maritime medical services.

Singaporean firm Greenbay Marine specializes in providing comprehensive marine solutions, including shipbuilding, ship repair, and maritime engineering.

Their commitment to delivering high-quality, environmentally friendly vessels aligns perfectly with the Philippines' vision for a modern and sustainable maritime industry.

Pastrana highlighted the profound impact of these new vessels, stating, "This will certainly help create more destinations and bridge islands to transport passengers and products to destinations."

APFC, through its FastCat Ferries, has been instrumental in revolutionizing domestic transportation in the Philippines.

“By introducing modern, safe, and efficient ferry services, APFC has significantly improved connectivity across the archipelago, fostering economic development and facilitating easier travel for Filipinos,” Pastrana said.
This delivery also resonates with President Marcos Jr.'s ambitious vision for the Philippines to emerge as a leading maritime hub in Asia.

His administration's campaign for safer travel via newer, environmentally friendly ships is gaining significant traction, and partnerships like the one between Greenbay Marine and APFC are crucial to realizing this goal.

The collaboration not only enhances the Philippines' domestic shipping capabilities but also solidifies the commitment of both nations to green energy and sustainable maritime practices.

“The successful visit of Prime Minister Wong and the concurrent maritime developments underscore a new chapter of enhanced cooperation between Singapore and the Philippines, promising a future of stronger ties in diplomacy, economy, and critical infrastructure,” Pastrana noted.

APFC, with the aim of serving the islands of the Philippines and its neighboring countries, plans to have a fleet of 30 vessels by 2030.

Presently, FastCat operates several routes, namely Batangas–Calapan (Mindoro); Bulalacao (Mindoro)–Caticlan (Aklan); Dumangas (Panay)–Banago (Bacolod); Dumaguete (Negros Oriental)–Dapitan (Zamboanga del Norte); San Carlos (Negros Occidental)-Toledo (Cebu); Cebu (Central Visayas)–Tubigon (Bohol); Matnog (Sorsogon)–Dapdap (Samar); Liloan (Leyte)–Surigao (Surigao del Norte), and Zamboanga (Zamboanga City)–Basilan(Isabela City).