CALBAYOG CITY, Samar — In response to the limited access to the San Juanico Bridge due to ongoing weight restrictions, the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) has issued 30-day special permits to seven (7) Landing Craft Tank (LCT) vessels, and one (1) RORO passenger vessel operating between Calbayog City, Samar and Ormoc City, Leyte.

This initiative is in line with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to strengthen transport connectivity and ensure the seamless movement of goods and people across the archipelago.

Among the vessels granted special permits for the 13-hour Calbayog–Ormoc route are LCT Poseidon 40, MV Poseidon 48, MV Poseidon 50, and MV Poseidon 41, all operated by ALD Sea Transport. Of these, LCT Poseidon 40 operates three times weekly—every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday—while the others provide daily service. Notably, MV Poseidon 41 also includes Ouano Port in Mandaue City, Cebu in its route.

Three (3) additional LCT vessels—LCT 668, LCT 888, and MV LCT 1098—operated by Seen Sam Shipping Inc., were likewise issued special permits and now conduct daily trips between Leyte and Samar.
Moreover, RORO Passenger Vessel, MV Lite Ferry 17 was granted a special permit to operate along the Maya, Daanbantayan, Cebu / Polambato, Bogo, Cebu – Calbayog City, Samar route, further improving inter-island connectivity in the region.

According to MARINA Regional Office VIII (MRO8) Regional Director Cheryl Pascua, “MRO8 continues to evaluate applications from other shipping operators seeking special permits.”

MARINA emphasized that opening new LCT/RoRo routes is crucial to maintaining inter-island connectivity and strengthening economic resilience amid current infrastructure challenges.

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