San Pedro Shipyard Corporation (SPSC), a wholly owned subsidiary of Montenegro Shipping Lines Incorporated (MSLI), officially marked the commencement of construction for its newest passenger-cargo vessel, SPSC-007, to be named M/V Santa Victoria.
The milestone was celebrated during a formal keel laying ceremony earlier today at the SPSC shipyard in Dalahican, Lucena City.
The event marks a highly anticipated homecoming for Montenegro Lines’ shipbuilding program. Following the successful delivery of several Roll-on/Roll-off Passenger (ROPAX) vessels constructed in China, the company is redirecting its focus back to local craftsmanship. M/V Santa Victoria represents the 7th vessel to be entirely Philippine-built by SPSC in Lucena City, showcasing the strength and capability of domestic maritime engineering.
Upon completion, M/V Santa Victoria will hold a historic place in the company’s rapidly growing infrastructure. It is projected to be the 10th vessel in Montenegro’s flagship “Santa” series and the 90th vessel overall in the company’s extensive nationwide armada.
Engineered for optimal capacity and regional sea conditions, M/V Santa Victoria will mirror the proven architectural blueprint of its highly successful sister ships, M/V Santa Alberta and M/V Santa Margarita.
| Specification | Dimension |
| Length Overall (LOA) | 81 meters |
| Breadth (Beam) | 17 meters |
| Target Launch Date | Quarter 2, 2027 |
The revival of local construction in Lucena City underscores MSLI’s commitment to investing in Filipino shipyard workers, engineers, and local maritime infrastructure. By building domestically, SPSC and Montenegro Lines continue to foster skilled labor and stimulate economic growth within Quezon Province.
“This keel laying is more than just the start of a new hull; it’s a testament to the enduring quality of Philippine shipbuilding,” said a representative from Montenegro Shipping Lines. “Returning to our roots at San Pedro Shipyard for our 90th vessel shows our deep confidence in our local workforce to deliver world-class ships that safely connect our islands.”
M/V Santa Victoria is scheduled to undergo continuous block assembly over the next year, with an official launch window targeted for the second quarter of 2027. Once commissioned, the vessel will deploy to critical sea lanes, enhancing connectivity, trade, and tourism across the Philippine archipelago.
