Your Comprehensive Guide for Inter-Island Shipping in the Philippines
An archipelagic country like the Philippines heavily relies on sea shipping to transport goods across the islands. Roll-on/roll-off vessels and fastraft ferries are preferred compared to two to four-wheel vehicles during inter-island shipping and travel. Not only does inter-island shipping serve as transportation for people, but its versatility is suited to cargo of all sizes.
Learn more about the benefits, flexibility, and uniqueness of inter-island shipping in the Philippines.
All You Need to Know about Inter-island Shipping
What is Inter-Island Shipping?
Inter-island shipping is a way to transport goods between islands that are located within the Philippine territorial waters. Ships that operate inter-island shipping, namely Philippine-registered vessels, can only make calls to Philippine ports.
There are two ways in which inter-island shipping in the Philippines can be done.
Tramp Service
This type of service involves chartering a large vessel in its entirety. These vessels do not operate on a fixed schedule or route, and are available as needed. Costs should also cover the loading, unloading, fuel, as well as other fees.
Liner Service
On the other hand, Liner services operate on a fixed schedule, with standard rates for each accommodation. Costs for this may be measured by density and size. This option encompasses RoRo, container, and a roll-on/roll-off. Businesses or individuals prefer this over tramp service for how convenient it is.
Routes for Inter-Island Shipping in the Philippines
Luzon-Visayas
These routes typically originate from and travel to the Port of Manila (NCR) or Port of Batangas (South Luzon / CALABARZON) to their destination anywhere in the Visayas.
Some typical routes include the following:
- Manila to Cebu and vice versa
- Manila to Cagayan and vice versa
- Manila to Davao and vice versa
- Cebu to Masbate and vice versa
Visayas-Mindanao
This route transports cargo from the Visayas region to any point in Mindanao. Vessels on this route typically accommodate passengers and cargo coming from Cebu to neighboring islands.
A few of the popular routes offered by Trans-Asia Shipping Lines include:
- Cebu to Iligan and vice versa
- Cebu to Cagayan de Oro and vice versa
Visayas Inter-island
Visayas is composed of 5 large, major islands coupled with some hundred tiny islands. It is further divided into east, central, and western parts, making it more convenient for them to travel via sea. Vacationers in remote areas can take a ferry or a boat to island hop, too!
These are some of the Visayas routes offered by Trans-Asia Shipping Lines.
- Cebu to Iloilo and vice versa
- Cebu to Tagbilaran and vice versa
Mindanao Inter-Island
Inter-island shipping is possible for Mindanao’s northern and southern islands due to new island routes. It is preferred by locals due to its convenience and flexibility.
The Davao to Cagayan De Oro and vice versa route is just one of the many Mindanao inter-island shipping routes available.
How Inter-Island Shipping Can Help Your Business
Versatile
Inter-island shipping companies in the Philippines usually provide a variety of options for their cargo shipping. RoRo vessels can accommodate all kinds of cargo, passengers, and vehicles. Freighter vessels can take large container cargo on inter-island shipping activities. Flexible options also allow shipments to reach remote or less-serviced destinations.
Cost-efficient
Depending on the service, costs may be higher or lower compared to other forms of inter-island shipping; however, the benefits outweighs expenses especially when it comes to large volumes of cargo. There are many ways to cut down costs, such as availing either full container load (FCL) or less than container load (LCL), the latter in which you can split your cargo with another occupant in the same container.
Timely
A timely delivery is made possible due to the availability of tramp and liner services. While tramp can be booked anytime, liners typically have schedules available. There will always be an option for inter-island shipping in the Philippines that will suit your needs.
Wider network reach
It is difficult to expand a business if you cannot create networks outside your area of operation. Inter-island shipping companies in the Philippines connect businesses to their clients and potential partners even in remote areas. For example, Trans-Asia Shipping Lines’ freighter and Trans-Padala services allows midsize to large businesses to take control of their heavy cargo shipping. It also lets individuals and small enterprises avail of fast, hassle-free small cargo shipping.
Environmental Impact of Inter-Island Shipping
Challenges come at the price of convenience, especially when it comes to the natural landscape. Part of the responsibilities of an inter-island shipping company is to ensure healthy and safe operations for all those on board, but what about the places they pass through?
It is important to consider physical pollution (garbage, plastic, waste, port congestion), air emissions (carbon and other greenhouse gases), and discharge to water (oil spill, harmful substances, toxic paints) and their long-term impact on island nations such as the Philippines.
It is necessary for relevant public and private agencies, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine Ports Authority, and the like to create and enforce regulations to control and minimize the negative effects of inter-island shipping activities to the country’s waters.
Inter-island shipping is one of the most convenient ways to reach different destinations across the Philippines. It establishes a diverse and unique network of businesses and individuals that otherwise cannot be achieved through other less tangible means.
ALSO READ: 6 Packaging Tips for Efficient Sea Freight Shipping
Trans-Asia Shipping Lines connects people and businesses across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. Find support for your padala and passenger trip concerns with our modern fleet, extensive facilities, and comfortable accommodation options. View our schedules and book with us today.
