Lite Ferries launches brand-new world-class Ro-Ro vessel for Batangas-Caticlan route

Lite Shipping Corporation, operating under the brand Lite Ferries, is set to bolster Philippine inter-island connectivity with the official launch of its newest and largest vessel, the M/V Lite Ferry Twenty. The blessing and inauguration ceremony will take place on August 7, 2026, at 11:00 AM at the Port of Caticlan in Aklan.

This latest addition marks a significant milestone in the company’s fleet modernization program, popularly known as “Ang Barkong Bol-anon.” The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) has granted the vessel Pioneering Status for the Batangas City–Caticlan route, recognizing its innovative shipping service along one of the country’s most vital passenger and cargo corridors connecting Luzon and Western Visayas.

World-Class Specifications and Capacity

Completed in January 2026, the M/V Lite Ferry Twenty is a state-of-the-art coastwise Roll-on/Roll-off (Ro-Ro) ferry measuring 90 meters in length with a Gross Registered Tonnage (GRT) of 3,923 tons. Designed to meet international standards of safety and efficiency, the vessel is classed by RINA of Italy, one of the world’s leading ship classification societies.

The vessel is engineered for both comfort and utility, featuring:

• Accommodation for up to 578 passengers across various categories.
• Cargo space for 30 ten-wheeler trucks and 4 four-wheeler passenger vehicles.
• Spacious passenger areas, wider passageways, and improved safety systems that exceed minimum MARINA standards.

Official Sailing Schedule

The M/V Lite Ferry Twenty will provide regular services between Batangas and Aklan according to the following schedule:

Route	Departure Days	Time
Caticlan to Batangas	Mon, Wed, Fri	6:00 PM
Caticlan to Batangas	Sunday	9:00 AM
Batangas to Caticlan	Tue, Thu, Sat	6:00 PM
Batangas to Caticlan	Sunday	12:00 Midnight

Strengthening Regional Trade and Tourism

The inauguration is expected to be attended by key maritime stakeholders, including representatives from MARINA, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), and the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA). Local government leaders, including Governor Jose Enrique M. Miraflores and Congressman Florencio T. Miraflores, are also slated to attend the event at the Port of Caticlan.

With an extensive network now serving 36 destinations across 17 provinces, Lite Ferries continues to uphold its commitment to its slogan, “Bridging Islands, Connecting Lives.” By maintaining one of the youngest and most modern domestic fleets in the country, the company remains a primary driver of economic growth and seamless sea transportation in the Philippines.