The Maritime Industry Authority has cleared M/V Antonia 2 to resume operations following safety compliance assessments, while maintaining that strict safety standards will remain in effect across the region.
The vessel is the only operational ship among Aleson Shipping Lines Inc.’s 34-vessel fleet. The entire fleet was grounded six months ago — marking the first company-wide suspension in Philippine maritime history.
MARINA Administrator Sonia Malaluan said the approval to return to service does not exempt the vessel from ongoing scrutiny.
“The return to service of M/V Antonia 2 is not a license to relax,” Malaluan said. “Safety must be demonstrated, sustained, and observed in every voyage. We will not allow economic pressure to dictate a lower safety standard. Our responsibility is to protect lives, and that responsibility is non-negotiable.”
The six-month suspension across eight regional routes reduced shipping capacity in Western Mindanao. The disruption hampered the transport of passengers and goods, resulting in localized cargo delays and price increases for essential commodities.
MARINA is reviewing the remaining grounded vessels individually. Each ship must implement, document and verify corrective safety measures before receiving clearance to operate.
The regulator stated that while restoring sea transport capacity remains a priority to support regional trade, operations will only resume as vessels meet all safety requirements.
