Direct RORO Service Connects Surigao and Sorsogon, Revolutionizing Inter-Island Logistics
Direct RORO Service Connects Surigao and Sorsogon, Revolutionizing Inter-Island Logistics
SURIGAO CITY, Philippines—A new and historic direct Roll-on/Roll-off (RORO) ferry service officially commenced today, June 12, 2025, forging a vital, direct connection between Surigao City in Mindanao and Bulan, Sorsogon, in Luzon. This much-anticipated service is poised to transform inter-island logistics by offering a crucial alternative for RORO transport, bypassing the increasingly challenging route through Samar and Leyte, particularly the load limitations at the San Juanico Bridge.
Port Manager Froilan Caturla of the Port Management Office (PMO) of Surigao, alongside Lipata Terminal Manager Allan Yap, personally witnessed the arrival of MV 1018. They observed its inaugural docking maneuver and inspected the ship's facilities and amenities with Seen Sam Shipping Inc.’s Operations Manager, Mr. Edwin Bordaje.
The MV 1018, a newly built Landing Craft Transport (LCT) vessel, is owned and operated by Seen Sam Shipping Inc., a Cebu-based company. Fresh from the shipyards of Zhejiang Zhenxing Shipbuilding Company in China, the MV 1018's inaugural journey from Lipata Ferry Terminal in Surigao City to the Port of Bulan in Sorsogon marks a significant milestone. It is the first purely RORO service to directly link Mindanao and Luzon, thereby circumventing a major segment of the Philippine eastern nautical highway and offering a more efficient and direct route for goods and passengers.
According to Mr. Bordaje, the MV 1018 is a seven-lane LCT vessel boasting an impressive length overall (LOA) of 85 meters and a gross registered tonnage (GRT) of 2,024 metric tons. The vessel is capable of accommodating 37 10-wheeler trucks and five 6-wheeler vehicles, directly addressing a critical need for efficient cargo transport across the archipelago.
With an estimated sailing time of around 21 hours, this direct ferry service is anticipated to be a "game-changer." To enhance the travel experience for essential personnel, truck drivers and their helpers will be provided with complimentary accommodation in air-conditioned sleeping quarters, designed to offer comfort similar to tourist or cabin facilities found on commercial passenger vessels. Meals (lunch and dinner) and morning coffee are also included, as the voyage commences at 5:00 AM.
Freight charges for the new service begin at PhP18,000 for a 6-wheeler Bongo. Other notable rates include PhP30,000 for 6-wheeler Canter, Elf, and Forward trucks; PhP44,000 for 20-footer trailer trucks; and PhP115,000 for trailer trucks loaded with heavy equipment. A comprehensive freight matrix is available for all cargo types.
While the MV 1018 currently serves as the sole vessel on this pivotal direct route, Seen Sam Shipping Inc. plans to bolster its service offerings in the near future. A new vessel, the MV 1070, is expected to arrive in the coming weeks, promising increased capacity and frequency for this vital new logistical artery.
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) | - | - |
- 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) | - | - |
- 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:
- Symmetric Schedule: Both vessels follow the same timing pattern but in opposite directions.
- No Saturday Departures: Neither vessel has trips starting on Saturday.
- Overnight Journeys: All trips take 21 hours, arriving early morning the next day.
- 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 \ Mobile: 09542361825
Lipata Port
Matias Namfrel - 09667533247 / 09605435985
Bulan Port
Gino - 09273510068 / 09183907861
OTHER OPTION ROUTE : MATNOG TO PALOMPON LEYTE bypassing San Juanico Bridge
