Marina issues special permit to M/V Starlite Saga for Batangas-Calapan route

M/V Starlite Saga. Photo from Maritime Industry Authority, Facebook 

MANILA — The Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) on Wednesday granted the M/V Starlite Saga a special permit to operate on the Batangas–Calapan route, following the suspension of OceanJet vessels.

With an authorized passenger capacity of 300, the temporary permit for M/V Starlite Saga aims to address the temporary loss of transport capacity following the suspension of OceanJet.

Marina said the additional vessel was expected to prevent congestion in major ports, especially during peak travel periods like the Holy Week break, when passengers travel from Metro Manila to the provinces. 

OceanJet on Wednesday said its trips remained cancelled “until further notice,” which Marina said was meant to give way for preventive maintenance and drydocking.

In an advisory on March 30, Marina set a maximum allowable increase of 30 percent on freight and passenger rates due to surging fuel prices. 

No online reservation, no ferry ticket: Strict Holy Week policy enforced at selected ports

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