MARINA lifts suspension on 7 Trans-Asia vessels

CEBU, Philippines - The Maritime Industry Authority has lifted the suspension order on seven Trans Asia Shipping vessels after they have passed the re-inspection and additional safety management audit.

MV Asia China, MV Trans-Asia 2, MV Trans-Asia 3, MV Trans-Asia 5, MV Trans-Asia, MV Asia Pacific and MV Asia Indonesia were allowed to operate again after having grounded since August 1 following the sinking of its sister vessel MV Asia Malaysia on July 31 off Calabasas Island in Ajuy, Iloilo City.

MARINA-7 information officer Jose Cabatingan said two other Trans-Asia ships are not operational, MV Asia Philippines and MV Asia Japan as they are on a dry dock.

Cabatingan said the seven vessels were already declared seaworthy by the joint inspection team of MARINA and the Philippine Coast Guard.

MARINA administrator Emerson Lorenzo ordered on August 1 the suspension of all Trans-Asia vessels until they pass the re-inspection and safety audit. The suspension came after one of its fleet sank. Fortunately all the more than 200 passengers were safely rescued by a passing Cokaliong vessel.

Meanwhile, the hearing of the show cause order issued by MARINA against Trans-Asia Shipping Lines was again moved to August 26 from August 15. This is the second time that the hearing was moved upon the request of the shipping company’s counsel.

The shipping company requested for another postponement of the hearing because the schedule last Monday was in conflict of the marathon hearing of the Special Board of Marine Inquiry investigating the mishap in Iloilo City.

MARINA earlier issued a 72-hour show cause order against Trans-Asia why its Certificate of Public Convenience should not be suspended or revoked.  (FREEMAN)