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Say Goodbye to San Juanico Bridge Delays: New Direct Ferry Connects Mindanao and Luzon

Say Goodbye to San Juanico Bridge Delays: New Direct Ferry Connects Mindanao and Luzon

SURIGAO CITY – Get ready for a smoother journey between Mindanao and Luzon! A brand-new daily ferry service is set to launch soon, directly linking Surigao City in Mindanao to Bulan, Sorsogon in Luzon. This exciting development offers a much-needed alternative for both logistical companies and individual travelers who have been navigating the ongoing load restrictions on the San Juanico Bridge.

Ferry Boat to Manila from Mindanao via  Lipata Surigao to Bulan Sorsogon

Cebu-based shipping company, Seen Sam Shipping Inc., is pioneering this direct route by deploying two large-capacity Landing Craft Transport (LCT) vessels. These vessels will provide daily Roll-on, Roll-off (RORO) services, effectively bypassing the logistical hurdles created by the temporary weight limitations on the San Juanico Bridge, the vital connection between Samar and Leyte.

The new service will operate conveniently between the Lipata Ferry Terminal in Surigao City and the port in Bulan, Sorsogon. Significant progress has already been made, with the Port Management Office (PMO) of Surigao granting Seen Sam Shipping the necessary certificate of berth allocation – a crucial step required by the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA). With the pressing need for this direct link to ease current logistical challenges, MARINA is expected to swiftly issue the final clearances.

This direct ferry is anticipated to be a "game-changer" for inter-island travel and trade. With an estimated sailing time of just 21 hours, it offers a far more efficient and direct route for transporting goods and passengers between the two major island groups. Say goodbye to the detours and potential delays associated with the San Juanico Bridge!

According to the company's initial schedule, the first trips are set to depart simultaneously at 5:00 AM. LCT 1018 will leave Bulan heading for Lipata, while LCT 1070 will depart Lipata bound for Bulan.

This new ferry service is a direct and welcome response to the challenges posed by the load limitations on the San Juanico Bridge. These restrictions have caused significant bottlenecks for cargo transport, impacting supply chains across the archipelago. By offering a direct route, Seen Sam Shipping aims to streamline cargo movement and significantly reduce travel times and potential delays.

For businesses and freight operators, the Surigao-Sorsogon connection promises greater flexibility and enhanced reliability in their inter-island logistics operations. This new service is poised to become an essential artery for trade and travel, fostering stronger connections between Mindanao and Luzon.

Stay tuned for the official launch date and booking information!

 

Vessel Schedule

Vessel Schedule Details

Vessel 1: LCT-1018

Route: Bulan, Sorsogon ↔ Lipata, Surigao (21 hours per trip)

Day Departure (Bulan) Arrival (Lipata) Departure (Lipata) Arrival (Bulan)
Monday 5:00 AM 2:00 AM (Tue) 5:00 AM (Tue) 2:00 AM (Wed)
Wednesday 5:00 AM 2:00 AM (Thu) 5:00 AM (Thu) 2:00 AM (Fri)
Friday 5:00 AM 2:00 AM (Sat) 5:00 AM (Sat) 2:00 AM (Sun)
Sunday 5:00 AM 2:00 AM (Mon) - -
Notes:
  • Operates 4 round trips per week (Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun).
  • No return trip on Sunday (only Bulan → Lipata).

Vessel 2: LCT-1070 (or Substitute: LCT-1020)

Route: Lipata, Surigao ↔ Bulan, Sorsogon (21 hours per trip)

Day Departure (Lipata) Arrival (Bulan) Departure (Bulan) Arrival (Lipata)
Monday 5:00 AM 2:00 AM (Tue) 5:00 AM (Tue) 2:00 AM (Wed)
Wednesday 5:00 AM 2:00 AM (Thu) 5:00 AM (Thu) 2:00 AM (Fri)
Friday 5:00 AM 2:00 AM (Sat) 5:00 AM (Sat) 2:00 AM (Sun)
Sunday 5:00 AM 2:00 AM (Mon) - -
Notes:
  • Operates 4 round trips per week (Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun).
  • No return trip on Sunday (only Lipata → Bulan).
  • LCT-1020 may substitute for LCT-1070 if needed.

Observations:

  1. Symmetric Schedule: Both vessels follow the same timing pattern but in opposite directions.
  2. No Saturday Departures: Neither vessel has trips starting on Saturday.
  3. Overnight Journeys: All trips take 21 hours, arriving early morning the next day.
  4. Sunday Exception: Only one-way trips (no return) for both vessels.
VEHICLE TYPES RATES
6 WHEELER  
Bongo 18,000
Canter , ELF, Forward 30,000
SW Truck / 10 Wheeler Truck / Bus 41,000
TRAILER TRUCK 20 FOOTER  
With Head 44,000
Without Head 37,000
TRAILER TRUCK 30 - 40 FOOTER  
With Head 48,000
Without Head 44,000
TRAILER TRUCK LOW/HIGH BED  
With Heavy Equipment (Big) 115,000
With Heavy Equipment (Small) 85,000

 

For real-time updates, confirm with the shipping company before travel. Tel: (032) 268 9100 \  

Lipata Port

Matias Namfrel - 09667533247 / 09605435985


Bulan Port

Gino - 09273510068 / 09183907861


OTHER OPTION ROUTE :  MATNOG TO PALOMPON LEYTE bypassing San Juanico Bridge

 

Seen Sam Shipping LCT Ferry boat
Photo by: PPA - Seen Sam Shipping

 

 

Last modified onFriday, 13 June 2025 15:11
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