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The Maritime Industry Authority published approved cargo rates for the Tacloban-Amandayehan route and vice versa
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The move aims to regulate shipping rates in light of the partial closure of the San Juanico Bridge, the agency said
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While the domestic shipping sector is deregulated, MARINA said the published rates serve as an ‘intervention’ due to emergency circumstances
The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) has published approved cargo rates for the Tacloban-Amandayehan route and vice versa. The move aims to “regulate shipping rates in light of emergency situations, particularly due to the partial closure of the San Juanico Bridge,” the agency said in a social media post.
The domestic shipping sector, including its rates, is deregulated but MARINA, in a Viber message to PortCalls, said the rates serve as an “intervention” due to emergency circumstances brought by the vehicle weight limit at the San Juanico bridge. The rates are based on the lowest submitted rates by shipping lines for the route, MARINA added.
Some of the approved rates include the following:
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Tractor head with trailers – P4,500 for 20-footer trailer van/flat bed, low bed, P5,000 for 40-footer trailer van/flat bed, low bed
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Trailers – ranging from P2,100 to P12,000 depending on type
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Delivery units – ranging from P1,630 to P3,000 depending on type
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Service units – ranging from P100 (bicycle) to P1,800 (minibus/coaster)
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Bus, empty or with cargoes – P3,000
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Heavy equipment – P3,600 for small, P4,300 for big
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8-, 10-, 12-wheelers (loaded or empty) – P3,000
The Tacloban, Leyte-Amandayehan, Samar route started operations last month as an alternate route to the San Juanico Bridge, which had been closed to vehicles exceeding the 3-ton gross weight since mid-May to make way for its rehabilitation.
The weight restriction on San Juanico bridge has affected connectivity between the provinces of Leyte and Samar, disrupting passenger and cargo traffic between the regions.
Dizon earlier said Amandayehan port, a fishing port, is expected to play a vital role as an alternate transport hub, providing a shorter route for heavy vehicles between Samar and Leyte.
Amandayehan port was upgraded and started handling cargoes last month.
The Philippine Ports Authority on June 25 said operations at the port are now in full swing with six landing craft tank (LCT) vessels operating 24/7.
Shipowners/operators operating LCTs at the route include Roble Shipping, Inc., ALD Sea Transport, GT Shipping Express Corp., Santa Clara Shipping Corp., and Seen Sam Shipping Corp.
PPA has also allotted P410 million to modernize and upgrade Amandayehan port, including physical expansion, installation of navigational aids, and dredging works to handle more vessels and cargo volume.
Aside from Amandayehan port, other ports identified as alternate routes for vehicles avoiding the San Juanico Bridge include Calbayog Port, Maguino-o Port, Catbalogan Port, in Samar; Tacloban Port, Ormoc Port, Palompon Port, Calubian Port, Hilongos Port, in Leyte; Biliran Port in Naval, Biliran, and Maasin Port in Southern Leyte; Tandayag port and Tambobo Bay port in Negros Oriental.
MARINA Region VIII (MRO VIII) also temporarily relaxed shipping schedules within its jurisdiction from June 4 to July 4 to accommodate the increased volume of passengers and cargoes in the area due to the load limit and rehabilitation of the San Juanico Bridge.
Aside from the relaxation of shipping schedules, MRO VIII earlier issued special shipping permits to ALD Sea Transport, Seen Sam Shipping, Inc., and Sunline Shipping Corp. to operate eight more vessels in four routes connecting Calbayog City, Samar-Ormoc City, Leyte, and Cebu province.
