M/V Starlite Venus will kick off its maiden voyage in the Batangas-Iloilo-Bacolod route on November 12, 2020, following its inauguration on November 7. Capable of holding 688 passengers and mixed rolling cargoes of 28 units of trucks, buses and private cars, Starlite Venus is the biggest RoPax vessel that Starlite Ferries has acquired since its incorporation 25 years ago.
This new route is intended to improve the trade and commerce relationship between the Western Visayas and South Luzon markets as logistics companies and passengers coming from CALABARZON no longer have to bear the traffic congestion in Metro Manila just to pass via Manila North Harbor. This will cut not only the logistics cost but also the travel time via sea by 6 hours.
With the community quarantine still being implemented at this time because of the COVID pandemic, Starlite Venus will initially cater to the needs of LSIs, APORs, and ROFWs allowing them to travel directly to Iloilo and Bacolod from Batangas for faster and more convenient sea travel. This will also lower the cost of Iloilo and Bacolod LGUs in picking up LSIs from Caticlan Jetty Port.
Starlite Ferries General Manager Shane G. Arante highlighted that Starlite Venus is the only Starlite vessel which has different accommodation types, ranging from Reclining Seats to Economy Bed Bunks, Tourist Bed Bunks, Cabin Rooms, and Family Rooms. “This is so because we want our passengers to feel safe, comfortable, and relaxed during long voyages as Filipinos and tourists alike deserve nothing but the best,” Mr. Arante said.
In his closing speech, Chelsea Logistics President & CEO Chryss Alfonsus V. Damuy remarked: “This ship is more than what we see before us. Gathering here today to inaugurate M/V Venus is taking a big leap towards recovery – not only for the Chelsea Group, but also for the country. As we provide safe and quality sea transport for Filipinos, we are also upholding the universal standard for protection and sustainability of our environment with this brand-new vessel.”
Specifically designed to ply Philippine waters, M/V Venus is Starlite Ferries’ ninth brand-new vessel made in Japan and the 12th brand-new vessel among its 14-vessel fleet. With this newest addition, Chelsea Logistics now has a 75-strong fleet.
Starlite Venus will sail from Batangas to Iloilo every Thursday and Saturday at 12pm; from Iloilo to Bacolod every Friday and Sunday at 6am; and from Bacolod to Batangas every Friday and Sunday at 12pm.