First Direct RoRo Ferry Now Links Mindanao and Luzon

Travelling or transporting cargo between Mindanao and Luzon has just become significantly easier. On June 12, 2025, as the nation marked its 127th Independence Day, the Philippines launched its first direct roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) ferry service linking Mindanao and Luzon. This new route cuts across the sea from Surigao City to Bulan, Sorsogon, creating a more efficient link between the country’s largest islands.

The ferry, known as the MV 1018, is a Landing Craft Transport vessel that bypasses the problematic Samar-Leyte route, which has been affected by a 3-ton weight restriction on the San Juanico Bridge. Previously, this was a crucial land route connecting the Visayas and Mindanao, but the weight limit has caused delays and heavy congestion for trucks and cargo.

Built by Zhejiang Zhenxing Shipbuilding Company in China and operated by Seen Sam Shipping Inc., the MV 1018 can carry 37 10-wheeler trucks and five 6-wheeler vehicles, answering the urgent need for better inter-island cargo movement.

Also read: Tax-Free Travel: Mindanao and Palawan Tourists Exempt from Fees to 3 ASEAN Countries

Comfort meets convenience on board

Image credit: Zanorte News Flash | Official Facebook Page

This isn’t just a functional trip; the MV 1018 offers some comfort, too. Drivers and their helpers are provided with air-conditioned sleeping quarters, making the 21-hour voyage more restful. Onboard meals, including lunch, dinner, and morning coffee, are also included in the fare.

The route begins at the Lipata Ferry Terminal in Surigao City and ends at the Port of Bulan in Sorsogon. For logistics operators and truck drivers, this provides a faster, more reliable alternative to the older land-and-sea combinations via the Visayas.

Freight charges for the service are based on vehicle type:

• ₱18,000 for a 6-wheeler Bongo

• ₱30,000 for Canter, Elf, and Forward trucks

• ₱44,000 for 20-footer trailer trucks

• ₱115,000 for trailer trucks with heavy equipment

These rates offer value for businesses looking to cut time and uncertainty out of inter-island freight delivery.

Looking ahead: Smoother inter-island connections

Image credit: Zanorte News Flash | Official Facebook Page

While the RoRo Mindanao to Luzon service is currently focused on cargo, it’s worth noting that regular commuters and walk-in passengers are not yet part of the offering. The MV 1018 is designed specifically for freight transport, particularly trucks and their accompanying drivers, to address the urgent disruption caused by limited land access across the Visayas.

That said, change may be on the horizon. A second vessel, the MV 1070, is expected to join the route soon, though like the MV 1018, it is currently dedicated to cargo transport only. However, there is hope that maybe future expansions will eventually include commuter services. If realised, this could be a game-changer for Philippine tourism, making inter-island travel faster, more convenient, and more accessible for local and international travellers alike.

Also read: 10 Best Beach Airbnbs in the Philippines, From Luzon to Mindanao

Why does this matter to you

If you’re in the logistics industry, run a regional business, or simply hope to see better inter-island connectivity in the Philippines, this new roll-on/roll-off ferry Philippines service is a big deal. It not only provides a new way to transport goods across long distances but can also pave the way for smoother, safer travel in the near future.

The launch of the MV 1018 is more than just a shipping update; it’s a sign of progress. By bridging Mindanao and Luzon through sea, the Philippines is one step closer to a more integrated and efficient transport network.