With the aim of providing "superb" transport service to its passengers especially those traveling from Cebu to Ormoc City and vice versa, SRN Fast Seacrafts, Inc. launched its new fast craft, M/V Weesam Express 7, through a maiden voyage last November 16.
Weesam Express has been serving this route for over a year already, but to further satisfy its loyal passengers, they had replaced Weesam 6 (which is now back in Zamboanga) with M/V Weesam Express 7, said Chris Dusaran—Weesam Express' port operation supervisor.
Dusaran explained that the move was also to accommodate more passengers, and they see the increasing demand for fast craft transportation services, especially in this route.
Weesam 6 only has the capacity of 246 passengers, while Weesam 7, which is made in Malaysia, can accommodate 294.
Dusaran added that their passengers, apart from the usual quality services given to them while on board any of the Weesam Express sea crafts, can also rely on getting to their route "faster," especially with Weesam 7, as it has a cruising speed of 30 knots and with "very durable" hull made of steel (in the upper part) and aluminum in the lower portion. It takes Weesam 7 two hours and 10 minutes to travel from Cebu-Ormoc City, and vice versa.
However, Dusaran said although they have increased the quality of their service, they have not hiked up their fare rates, which is so far the "cheapest" compared to other fast crafts servicing the same route. The economy seat is pegged at P610 or P990 for the roundtrip ticket; while the first class is P800 and P1,100 for round trip.
With air transport industry also opening its services to this destination, Dusaran said they don't see it as a competition to them, since their loyal passengers, especially businessmen, still prefer to travel by boat. As proof to that, the shipping industry is still on top of its game, Weesam 7 has three trips everyday of the week. Its first trip from Cebu is scheduled at 5:20AM; followed by a10:50-AM trip and finally, at 4:40PM. From Ormoc City, it departs at 8:05AM; then 1:45PM and 7:30PM. —Liv G. Campo