2GO expands fleet with new RoRo vessel

CEBU, Philippines — Integrated transportation and logistics provider 2GO Group Inc., unveiled new RoRo (roll-on, roll-off) passenger vessel “MV 2GO Maligaya”, which will serve the Manila-Cebu-Cagayan de Oro route starting May 23, 2021.

Acquired from Japan, the “MV 2GO Maligaya,” is the 10th vessel in the 2GO fleet, executives at the company claimed that this is so far the fastest liner vessel plying in the Philippine seas today.

“This is a manifestation of 2GO’s commitment in providing superior products and services to our customers. The new addition complements the broader service offerings of the other business units under the 2GO Group.  As a major player in the industry, it is imperative for us to take the lead in product innovation and unparalleled service to keep in step with world-class standards”, said 2GO Chief Operating Officer (COO) Waldo Basilla, in a virtual press conference held during the formal ship inauguration.

According to Basilla, the acquisition of the MV 2GO Maligaya is part of the company’s fleet modernization efforts to provide high speed and reliability in the movement of essential goods nationwide, while at the same time upgrading sea travel onboard experience.

2GO vice president and head of sea operations explained that the MV 2GO Maligaya is a larger ship that can carry 40 percent more twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU) of cargo capacity compared to 2GO’s current fleet of vessels. With a top speed of 23.5 knots, it reduces steaming time from Manila to Cebu to only 17 hours “making it the fastest cargo vessel in the Philippines today.”

With this vessel’s addition, 2GO aims to further improve sailing schedule reliability to 95 percent on time.

The 2GO Group is now servicing 20 major ports of call in the Philippines.

Amid the weak travel interest due to the pandemic, Fernan explained that even at the height of the lockdowns in all parts of the country last year, 2GO continued to sail, bringing in essential goods to all its ports of call.

Made by Japanese shipbuilders and with a German main engine, the MV 2GO Maligaya embodies the latest international shipping standards and technologies, which include an integrated navigation and control system, advanced fire alarm systems, and multiple collision bulkheads as a collision mitigating support, among others.