SEEN Sam Shipping Inc. has launched a direct roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) service linking Surigao in Mindanao to Sorsogon in Luzon, bypassing the Visayas to cut travel time and ease port congestion.
Seen Sam’s vessel, MV 1018, completed its maiden voyage on June 12, 2025, sailing from Lipata Ferry Terminal in Surigao City to the Port of Bulan. The route bypasses Samar and Leyte, offering an alternative to cargo operators affected by restrictions near the San Juanico Bridge, where rehabilitation work has limited the movement of heavy trucks.
Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) officials monitored the vessel’s arrival at Lipata Terminal. PPA-Port Management Office Surigao Port Manager Froilan Caturla and Lipata Terminal Manager Allan Yap witnessed the arrival of MV 1018, along with Seen Sam Operations Manager Edwin Bordaje.
PPA said: “The opening of this new RoRo route is expected to be a game-changer for the logistics and transport sector, streamlining the movement of goods and passengers between Mindanao and Luzon.”
MV 1018 is a landing craft transport (LCT) vessel measuring 85 metres in length with a gross registered tonnage of 2,024 metric tons. It can carry up to 37 10-wheeler trucks and five six-wheeler vehicles. The one-way trip takes about 21 hours.
Get the latest news
delivered to your inbox Sign up for The Manila Times newsletters By signing up with an email address, I acknowledge that I have read and agree to the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Freight rates range from P18,000 for six-wheeler trucks to P115,000 for trailer trucks carrying heavy equipment. Onboard amenities include air-conditioned sleeping quarters and complimentary meals for drivers and helpers.
Another RoRo vessel is expected to be added to the route in the coming weeks to boost capacity. The new service is projected to improve delivery times and reduce logistics costs for cargo moving between the country’s two largest islands.
