Additional vessels needed to serve Zambo-Basilan routes

THE Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) has urged local shipping firms’ to add more trips from Zamboanga to Basilan and vice-versa to cope with the increasing volume of passengers brought about by the Yuletide season.

Marina Regional Director Irving Saipudin said four more vessels are needed to ply the Zamboanga-Isabela and the Zamboanga-Lamitan routes to better serve the riding public.

At present, there are five ships, including a fast craft ferry and three roll-on, roll-off (Roro) vessels, owned by two shipping firms that are servicing the two routes from Zamboanga City to Basilan and vice-versa.

Three of the five ply the Zamboanga-Isabela and vice-versa route while the remaining two serve the Zamboanga-Lamitan and vice-versa.

On Sunday, December 18, the coastguard has denied departure clearance to one of the three Roro vessels due to overloading of passengers beyond its capacity. The vessel’s capacity is 900 passengers.

Saipudin said talks are ongoing with shipping firm owners from other regions to temporarily ply the Zamboanga-Basilan routes.

He added Marina will issue special trip permits once the shipping firm owner agree to temporarily serve the two routes from this city to Basilan province. (Sunnex)

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