San Ricardo Shipping Lines Corp., a leading maritime operator based in Surigao, officially marked a milestone in regional connectivity with the launching and maiden voyage of its newest strategic route: Calubian, Leyte – Naval, Biliran – Matnog, Sorsogon (and vice versa).
This new service aims to streamline the movement of goods and passengers between the Eastern Visayas and Luzon, bypassing traditional bottlenecks and providing a more direct maritime link for traders and travelers alike.
The expansion comes at a time of increasing demand for efficient logistics within the Philippine archipelago. By linking Calubian and Naval directly to the Matnog gateway in Sorsogon, San Ricardo Shipping Lines is effectively shortening the transit time for agricultural products and commercial cargo moving toward the capital and northern provinces.
To ensure reliability and safety on this expansive new route, the company has deployed its latest fleet addition: M/V OWEN GIAN 1.
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Vessel Type: Brand-new Roll-on/Roll-off (Roro) Passenger Vessel.
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Capacity: Engineered to accommodate a significant volume of heavy vehicles, transit buses, and private cars.
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Amenities: Features modern passenger lounges and upgraded safety systems designed to meet international maritime standards. “The launch of the Calubian-Naval-Matnog route represents our commitment to nation-building through better logistics,” said a spokesperson for San Ricardo Shipping Lines. “With the M/V OWEN GIAN 1, we aren’t just moving vehicles; we are connecting families and fueling local economies.”
The maiden voyage commenced this morning, March 8, 2026. Regular trips are now scheduled to provide consistent service across the three ports. Passengers and logistics companies are encouraged to book in advance to secure slots for heavy equipment and cargo.
