Starlite Ferries Launches Brand-New Vessel to Service the Western Nautical Highway

Batangas, Philippines (September 2025)– In fulfillment of its continued commitment to contribute to the modernization of the domestic shipping industry, Starlite Ferries, Inc., one of the subsidiaries of Chelsea Logistics, will launch its latest vessel ‘M/V Starlite Resilience’ in November 2025.

‘M/V Starlite Resilience’, a brand-new 67.60 meter Bed/Seat RoRo Type Passenger Ferry built in Japan, is the latest addition to Starlite Ferries’ present fleet of 20 vessels which include RoPax and Cargo Vessels.

Startite Ferries has been awarded by the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) Pioneering Status for M/V Starlite Resilience’s intended route: Roxas, Mindoro – Caticlan – Odiongan – Batangas – Romblon, Romblon – Magdiwang, Romblon – Culasi, Roxas and vice versa.

With the above route, Starlite Ferries through M/V Starlite Resilience will contribute to the growth of the economy of Aklan and neighboring provinces along the Western Nautical Highway all the way to Mindanao. M/V Starlite Resilience will be an internationally-classed vessel (IACS) under Nippon Kaiji (NK). This fleet of vessels, the 67-meter version, as well as its 98-meter version, is equipped with airtight car and cargo decks designed to enhance safety by protecting vehicles and cargoes from water splashes and sea breeze throughout the voyage.

Chelsea Logistics President & CEO Chryss Alfonsus V. Damuy said: “The deployment of M/V Starlite Resilience on this planned route will set the standard for other shipping operators with pioneering status in the area. In alignment with MARINA’s Pioneering Status guidelines, any operator opting to replace existing vessels will be required to deploy brand-new ships. This modernization initiative will ultimately benefit passengers and shippers through enhanced safety, comfort, and overall service quality.”

Starlite Ferries General Manager Shane Anthony G. Arante added: “The launch of M/V Starlite Resilience reflects our commitment to delivering not only modernized services but also operational excellence across our routes. By investing in more fuel-efficient vessels and streamlining turnaround times, we aim to enhance overall reliability and reduce environmental impact.”

The Chelsea Group, through its shipping subsidiaries, Starlite Ferries, Inc., Trans-Asia Shipping Lines, Incorporated and The Supercat Fast Ferry Corporation, continues to support the Maritime Industry Development Plan of the MARINA, particularly its emphasis on shipping modernization as one of its major items.