Montenegro Shipping Lines to deploy new M/V Santa Dorothea on Zamboanga-Jolo route

ZAMBOANGA CITY — Montenegro Shipping Lines Incorporated (MSLI) is set to significantly bolster its operations in Southern Mindanao with the upcoming deployment of its newest vessel, the M/V Santa Dorothea. The brand-new Roll-on/Roll-off (RORO) passenger ship is slated to serve the vital maritime route between Zamboanga City and Jolo, Sulu.

According to reports from the Philippine Ship Spotters Society (PSSS), the vessel is scheduled to depart its homeport in Batangas this week. The voyage marks a strategic shift for MSLI, as the M/V Santa Dorothea becomes the first of the acclaimed “Santa” series to be deployed outside of the company’s traditional stronghold in the Southern Tagalog region.

Modernizing the Mindanao-Sulu route

The M/V Santa Dorothea represents the 89th vessel to join the MSLI fleet and the ninth member of the “Santa” series. It stands as the third brand-new ROPAX vessel commissioned by Montenegro Lines from Chinese shipbuilders, reflecting a continued investment in modernizing the country’s domestic shipping industry.

Historically, the “Santa” series has been concentrated in the Batangas area. This move signals MSLI’s intent to upgrade service quality and cargo capacity in the Mindanao and Sulu regions, providing a more reliable and modern option for both travelers and traders moving between Zamboanga and Jolo.

Vessel specifications

Length Overall	72 meters
Breadth	15 meters
Passenger Capacity	700+ passengers
Cargo Capacity	Approximately 25 trucks and buses

The arrival of this modern ROPAX vessel is expected to streamline the movement of goods and people in the region, supporting local economies and improving the overall maritime travel experience in the Sulu Archipelago.

For more details, you may also visit the Montenegro Shipping Lines operator page where their contact information is available.