Lite Ferries inaugurates new boat for Dumaguete-Dipolog/Dapitan-Oslob, Cebu route

Lite Ferries inaugurates new boat for Dumaguete-Dipolog/Dapitan-Oslob, Cebu route

DIPOLOG CITY— Lite Shipping Corporation, operating under the brand name Lite Ferries, “Ang Barkong Bol-anon” launched and inaugurated its newly acquired vessel, the MV Lite Ferry 12 on April 5 at the Dipolog City Port for the pioneering status in the routes of Oslob, Cebu – Dumaguete City – Dapitan/Dipolog, Zamboanga del Norte and vice versa. 

“Our family considers this vessel a blessing from God and a gift from the Almighty.  It is seen as a means to connect islands,” Lite Shipping Corporation owner, Lucio Lim said in his opening message at the launching event.

Lim acknowledged the Uy family for their long-term efforts in developing the Dipolog City Port project, which dates back to the father of the current mayor.   The vessel, deployed despite COVID-19 challenges, required significant logistical adjustments.  The vessel, with a shallow draft, needed additional modifications to fit the port’s infrastructure. 

“Currently, it is the only operating vessel between Zamboanga del Norte and other areas, benefiting car and truck drivers. There is hope for introducing a second vessel if the market situation warrants it,” Lim added. 

Lite Shipping Corporation is continually expanding and bringing in World Class brand new ships to its  fleet.  M/V Lite Ferry Twelve was built in China and completed in December 2024. This 72 meter long coast wise Ro-Ro ferry has a depth of 4.50 meters, breadth of 16.80 meters and a GRT of 3,390 tons, Lim bared. 

MV LiTE Ferry Twelve can accommodate 500 passengers in various accommodation and 20 ten-wheeler trucks plus 10 cars. It is classed by RINA of Italy and it has standard and tourist class accommodations with above MARINA standards on passage ways and bed bunks accommodation. 

M/V Lite Ferry Twelve will now serve the route with the following daily ferry service schedules:

 Cebu, Oslo  to Dumaguete City leaves at 10PM daily; Dumaguete City to Dipolog, at 1:00AM on M/WF/Sunday while Dumaguete City to Dapitan leaves at 1:00AM  on T/TH/Saturday.

Meanwhile, the Dipolog City to Dumaguete City leaves at 1:00PM on M/W/F/Sunday; Dapitan to Dumaguete City, at 1:00PM on T/TH/Saturday; and Dumaguete City to Oslob, Cebu leaves at 8:00PM daily. 

Farina Cunanan, regional director, Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA)-Region 9 celebrates the inauguration of Life Ferry 12, marking a significant milestone in regional connectivity and economic growth. 

“The ferry is seen as a symbol of progress and efficiency, serving the Zamboanga  Peninsula and connecting regions 9, 7, and 10.  The government and private sector collaboration is  crucial for maximizing maritime resources and creating a prosperous future, Cunanan said. 

Cunanan said local governments and officials already express their support and anticipate economic benefits, including increased local income and improved infrastructure. The ferry is also seen as a strategic investment for the region’s economic growth and connectivity with Malaysia, she added. 

Lite Ferries operates one of the youngest fleets in the country, with almost half of the fleet acquired brand new and 25% of the fleet below 20 years old upon acquisition. “This was the result of the company re-fleeting program the past 10 years,” Lim said. 

Lite Ferries operates in 32 destinations in 16 provinces under the brand name, Lite Ferries. It has been bridging the provinces of Sorsogon, Samar, Northern Samar, Leyte, Southern Leyte, Cebu, Bohol, Negros Oriental, Negros Occidental, Siquijor, Surigao del Norte, Agusan del Norte, Misamis Oriental, Misamis Occidental and Zamboanga del Norte. (Photos: MBCNewman)