New MV Lite Ferry Twenty Now Serving Batangas-Caticlan Route

Lite Shipping Corporation, through its Lite Ferries brand, has deployed the brand-new MV Lite Ferry Twenty on the Batangas City-Caticlan route, strengthening its presence along the Western Nautical Highway.

The new vessel adds passenger and cargo capacity to the important inter-island route connecting Luzon and Western Visayas.

At 90 meters long and with a gross registered tonnage of 3,923 tons, MV Lite Ferry Twenty is Lite Ferries’ largest brand-new Ro-Ro passenger vessel acquisition to date. It can accommodate up to 578 passengers, 30 12-meter trucks, and six cars.

Lite Shipping President Lucio Lim Jr. said the Batangas-Caticlan route forms part of the company’s continuing expansion across key destinations in the Philippines.

“Our presence here means that we are connecting the Western Nautical Highway already,” Lim said.

The vessel’s deployment is expected to benefit passengers, truckers, shippers, businesses, and tourism stakeholders by providing additional capacity for the movement of people and goods between Batangas and Aklan.

During the vessel’s blessing and inauguration on August 7, Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) Administrator Sonia Malaluan welcomed MV Lite Ferry Twenty as a modern addition to the country’s domestic shipping fleet.

The vessel has also been granted pioneering status by MARINA, recognizing its upgraded service offering and contribution to the modernization of domestic shipping.

Daily Trips Soon

Lite Ferries is also looking to increase the frequency of its Batangas-Caticlan service.

Lim said the company plans to deploy another vessel on the route before the end of August, with the goal of eventually offering daily trips.

“We are hoping that we will make this a daily trip,” Lim said.

The additional vessel is expected to give passengers and cargo operators more travel options while strengthening the movement of goods between Batangas and Aklan.

Aklan 2nd District Rep. Florencio P. Miraflores also welcomed the new vessel, noting Caticlan’s important role as a gateway to Panay and a key link along the Western Nautical Highway.

“Brand-new ships like your ship are now docking here in Caticlan,” Miraflores said.

Fleet Modernization

The deployment of MV Lite Ferry Twenty is part of Lite Shipping’s continuing fleet modernization and expansion program.

The company operates Ro-Ro passenger vessels serving destinations across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. Its modernization efforts include the acquisition of new vessels and the retrofitting of existing ships with more fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly engines under its Golden Green program.

Lite Ferries also said it continues to invest in passenger comfort, with wider seating arrangements and more spacious passageways designed to improve the onboard experience.

Beyond its shipping operations, the company supports maritime education and training through scholarships and onboard apprenticeship opportunities. It also provides assistance to communities affected by disasters, including the free shipment of relief goods.

With MV Lite Ferry Twenty now serving the Batangas-Caticlan corridor, Lite Ferries is expanding its role in one of the country’s important maritime routes, strengthening the connection between Luzon and Western Visayas and supporting the movement of passengers, cargo, trade, and tourism.