FastCat makes waves in Philippine maritime transport

MANILA, Philippines — Connecting the Philippine islands in a safe, fast and convenient ferry transport system within international standards, Archipelago Philippine Ferries Corp. (APFC) — owner and operator of FastCat — has introduced another ship at the Sta. Clara Pier in Batangas City, Batangas.

The newest vessel, the FastCat M12, is a brand-new catamaran roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) ferry designed by Sea Transport Solutions of Australia. It was built at the shipyards of Guangdong Bonny Fair Heavy Industry Ltd. before being certified and classed by the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) to indicate compliance with the latest international safety rules and regulations.

FastCat was incorporated in 2002 and now operates the Philippines’ first and only fleet of catamaran ferries that facilitates the economical movement and inter-island transfers of people and goods via a RoRo ferry fleet designed specifically for Philippine waters. The M12 is the 12th twin-hulled catamaran ship acquired under the APFC’s modernization program that started in 2010.

The FastCat M12 is powered by a set of four powerful engines that are fully compliant with international maritime standards. It is controlled by a bridge with digital and state-of-the-art navigation and communications equipment. The ship leaves Batangas Port and arrives at Calapan, Oriental Mindoro up to four times per day.

The M12’s expansive car deck can hold up to 34 cars and seven trucks or buses. It can accommodate a total of 275 passengers divided among business class, premium economy and sundeck economy areas, with each seat equipped with life vest. Its ramp and safety life raft can immediately deploy in case of emergency, complete with luminous signs in entry and exit points. For persons with disabilities, there is an elevator that can take them to the upper decks. There are also comfort rooms, snack bars and LED TVs — features that showcase FastCat’s signature comfort, reliability and safety.