THE Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) has officially granted "Pioneering Status Protection" to Lite Shipping Corporation’s newly launched roll-on/roll-off (Ro-Ro) vessel, the M/V Lite Ferry Twenty, recognizing the company's aggressive fleet modernization efforts and its pivotal role in enhancing inter-island connectivity and regional commerce.
The incentive, granted under government domestic shipping modernization frameworks, provides pioneer operators with key benefits including six-month route protection, a 50-percent discount on application and renewal fees, and streamlined regulatory processing.
Marina Administrator Sonia Malaluan highlighted that the entry of state-of-the-art vessels like the M/V Lite Ferry Twenty extends far beyond mere fleet expansion, serving as a primary driver for trade, tourism, and local economic development across strategic sea corridors connecting Luzon, the Visayas, and Northern Mindanao.
Featuring international classification by RINA of Italy, the newly deployed M/V Lite Ferry Twenty is designed to significantly upgrade standard passenger and cargo capacity along the vital Batangas City–Caticlan corridor — linking Luzon directly to Western Visayas and Boracay — while offering enhanced safety systems and broader deck clearance.
Lite Shipping Chief Executive Officer Lucio Lim Jr. affirmed that the company's ongoing investments reinforce its commitment to maintaining one of the youngest and safest domestic fleets in the Philippines while actively supporting the government's maritime transportation development goals.