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Starlite Ferries, Inc., a unit of Chelsea Logistics, launched a new roll-on/roll-off passenger vessel, MV Starlite Gratitude, that will serve inter-island routes linking Cebu with Surigao, Dapitan, and Nasipit
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The ro-ro passenger vessel was built by Kegoya Dock of Japan; it measures 67.60 meters with a 15.30-meter beam, powered by twin Yanmar diesels producing 1,370 kW combined, with a service speed of 13-14 knots
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Passenger accommodations are air-conditioned and fitted with reclining seats, footrests, and seat belts
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The launch aligns with MARINA’s Maritime Industry Development Plan 2028 modernization program
Starlite Ferries, Inc., a unit of Chelsea Logistics, has launched a new roll-on/roll-off (ro-ro) passenger vessel, MV Starlite Gratitude, that will serve inter-island routes linking Cebu with several Mindanao ports.
“This achievement is a testament to the ‘fulfillment of a promise’ to the people who built it and the communities it will serve, a reflection of how we move forward together, connecting islands and communities with a unified purpose,” Chelsea Logistics said in a social media post.
The company, represented by Chelsea Logistics president and CEO Chryss Alfonsus Damuy and Starlite Ferries general manager Shane Anthony Arante, also acknowledged the support of regulatory agencies during the blessing and launching ceremony at Pier 5, Cebu City, on June 29, 2026.
Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) administrator Sonia Malaluan, who attended the event, commended Starlite Ferries and Chelsea Logistics for the quality of the vessel’s facilities, passenger accommodations, and safety features.
The ship was built by Kegoya Dock of Japan and measures 67.60 meters in length overall with a beam of 15.30 meters. Powered by two Yanmar diesel engines producing a combined 1,370 kilowatts, it can reach a service speed of 13 to 14 knots. Passenger accommodations are air-conditioned and equipped with reclining seats, footrests, and seat belts.
The planned routes are round-trips from Cebu to Surigao City, Dapitan City in Zamboanga del Norte, and possibly the town of Nasipit in Agusan del Norte.
Cebu Port Authority (CPA) general manager Francisco Comendador III also attended the launch, alongside CPA Cebu International Port manager Bernard Macuto and harbor master for domestic operations Capt. Marco Antonio De Dios.
“The Cebu Port Authority joins you in celebrating this momentous occasion. We are proud to see Cebu’s shipping industry keeping pace with international standards, enabling us to provide safer, more efficient and higher-quality services to our passengers,” Comendador said. “This vessel is a valuable addition to the fleet serving the Port of Cebu, carrying not only passengers and seafarers but also the cargoes that drive our economy forward.”
Also present were MARINA chief of staff director Engr. Ramon Hernandez and MARINA Regional Office VII director Engr. Ronaldo Bandalaria.
MARINA said the vessel addition reflects the commitment of Starlite Ferries and Chelsea Logistics to fleet modernization and maritime safety, consistent with the agency’s Maritime Industry Development Plan 2028 targets.
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