TEN domestic shipping lines earned the Maritime Industry Authority’s (Marina) recognition for acquiring 17 International Association of Classification Societies (IACS)-classed vessels and deploying digital ticketing platforms.
Shipping lines are upgrading domestic sea travel through investments in new vessels and digital ticketing systems. Marina recognized these operators during its Awards Night in Manila on Thursday, Sept. 24.
Between 2024 and 2026, 10 domestic shipping lines acquired 17 new roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) passenger vessels built to IACS standards.
Montenegro Shipping Lines Inc. and Lite Shipping Corp. received special distinction for acquiring multiple ships. Marina also recognized Medallion Transport, ALD Sea Transport, Aleson Shipping Lines, Cokaliong Shipping Lines, Guardian Four Aces Shipping, Starlite Ferries, Besta Shipping Lines, and Roble Shipping for fleet expansion.
Marina also cited operators replacing paper ticketing and manifests with digital systems.
Guimaras Island Transport Multipurpose Cooperative (GITMPC) was cited for pioneering an C “Tap and Sail” card system, while Bamosa Marine Transport Corp. and Margie Tenorio were recognized for deploying C technology on regional routes.
Chelsea Logistics and Infrastructure Holdings Corp. became the first operator compliant with Marina’s Shipping Online Ticketing System (SOTS) across its subsidiaries: Trans-Asia Shipping Lines, Starlite Ferries, and SuperCat Fast Ferry Corp.
“The acquisition of brand-new, IACS-classed passenger ships and the adoption of digital solutions reflect the industry’s continued investment in safer, more reliable, and more efficient maritime transportation services for the Filipino public,” said Marina Administrator Sonia Malaluan.
Malaluan presented the awards alongside Deputy Administrator for Operations RAdm. Loumer Bernabe (Ret.) and Domestic Shipping Service Director Annabell Lagas.