SHIPPING operator Lite Ferries has deployed additional roll-on/roll-off (Roro) and passenger ferry services in Eastern Visayas following the implementation of a truck and heavy vehicle ban on the 53-year-old San Juanico Bridge, which is set for rehabilitation.
In a statement on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, the company said it launched multiple new routes to minimize disruption to regional logistics and commuter movement. The ban took effect in mid-May, prompting urgent measures to preserve the flow of goods across Samar, Leyte and surrounding provinces.
Lite Ferry 17 was deployed on May 20 to service a daily midnight route between Maya, Daanbantayan, Cebu and Calbayog City. The vessel has a capacity of 17 ten-wheeler trucks and 550 passengers.
To supplement the route, Lite Ferry 27 began operations on May 30, offering a daily 12 noon departure on the same Maya–Calbayog route. The ship can accommodate 20 ten-wheeler trucks and up to 280 passengers.
Another vessel, Lite Ferry 29, has been reassigned to the Bogo City/Maya–Matnog, Sorsogon route. The ship, with a capacity for 20 ten-wheeler trucks and 330 passengers, has increased its service frequency from four weekly trips to daily midnight departures from both ends.
Lite Ferries also announced plans to deploy Lite Ferry Five on the Dapitan City–Dumaguete City route starting the second week of June. The vessel will support cargo and passenger transport along the Western Nautical Highway, with capacity for 20 ten-wheeler trucks, five four-wheeler vehicles, and 540 passengers.
“Lite Ferries remains committed to supporting Eastern Visayas by providing reliable transport alternatives during this crucial infrastructure rehabilitation,” the company said.
All newly deployed vessels meet the safety standards set by the Maritime Industry Authority and for trips exceeding four hours, are equipped with full lying accommodations to ensure driver and passenger comfort.
The adjusted schedules and added capacity are expected to significantly ease logistics bottlenecks caused by the San Juanico Bridge restrictions, providing relief to cargo operators, truckers and regional businesses.
Economic impact
According to reports, around P7 billion is needed for the repair and rehabilitation of San Juanico Bridge.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said the restrictions on San Juanico Bridge could result in up to P600 million monthly economic losses as 14,000 vehicles cross the infrastructure daily.
A three-ton load limit has been imposed on San Juanico Bridge since May 15 after an assessment showed that there are significant structural compromises to the bridge.
Only the middle portion of the bridge is open for motorists.
Completed in 1972, San Juanico Bridge is the only permanent land link between the islands of Samar and Leyte. It is a vital artery of the Maharlika Highway that connects Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. / KOC