Chelsea Logistics Elevates VisMin Sea Travel with Maiden Voyage of Brand-New, Japan-Built 'M/V Starlite Gratitude'
Manila, Philippines (05 July 2026) – Starlite Ferries Inc., a subsidiary of Chelsea Logistics, officially launched the maiden voyage of its newest vessel, M/V Starlite Gratitude, capturing a significant milestone in Visayas and Mindanao sea travel.
Granted PIONEER STATUS by the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), the brand-new, Japan-built vessel is set to service the critical Surigao-Cebu-Dapitan and vice versa routes, injecting world-class standards into local maritime travel.
World-Class Comfort and Safety for Filipino Travelers
Built to the rigorous international standards of Class NK, M/V Starlite Gratitude has a passenger capacity of 618, and can accommodate 12 cargo trucks alongside 10 private vehicles. With a steady service speed of 12 knots, it efficiently connects Cebu to Surigao and Cebu to Dapitan in under 10 hours.
The vessel features four distinct accommodation tiers tailored to every budget and preference: budget-friendly recliner seats, communal tourist bunks, premium cabins and private rooms.
“The deployment of M/V Starlite Gratitude is our concrete way of saying ‘thank you’ to our loyal riding public, travel partners, and shippers,” said Starlite Ferries General Manager Shane Arante. “Filipino travelers deserve nothing less than the best. By bringing in a brand-new, Japan-built ship, we are offering our passengers unparalleled stability, top-tier safety features, and a highly comfortable journey that transforms sea travel from a basic commute into a relaxing experience.”
Boosted Frequency for VisMin Commerce
In tandem with M/V Starlite Saturn, M/V Starlite Gratitude will operate a combined 11 weekly trips on the Surigao-Cebu-Surigao route and 2 weekly trips on the Dapitan-Cebu-Dapitan route, ensuring robust support for local tourism and trade.
The consolidated trip schedules are as follows:
Route | Departure Days & Times |
CEBU to SURIGAO | 9:00 AM (Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu) 9:00 PM (Daily) |
SURIGAO to CEBU | 9:00 AM (Daily) 9:00 PM (Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu) |
CEBU to DAPITAN | 9:00 PM (Fri and Sat) |
DAPITAN to CEBU | 9:00 AM (Sat and Sun) |
Sailing Toward Modernized Archipelagic Connectivity
The launch of M/V Starlite Gratitude underscores Chelsea Logistics’ long-term commitment to modernizing the Philippine maritime industry by phasing out aging, second-hand vessels in favor of brand-new, fuel-efficient, and safer ships.
“Our vision has always been to bridge our islands with the highest standards of modern seafaring,” remarked Chelsea Logistics President & CEO Chryss Damuy. We at Chelsea Logistics and Starlite Ferries will continue to invest in fleet modernization, pioneer routes, and competent crew members to elevate the standards of the Philippine domestic shipping and drive economic growth.”
For inquiries on cargo and passenger bookings, customers may contact the following numbers:
- Cebu: 0905-336-0137
- Surigao: 0906-510-1623
- Dapitan: 0991-376-6278
ABOUT THE COMPANY
Chelsea Logistics and Infrastructure Holdings Corp. is the publicly listed shipping and logistics arm of the Udenna Corporation. It is a corporation organized and registered with the Philippine Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on 26 August 2016 primarily to act as a holding company. Through its wholly owned subsidiaries, Chelsea Logistics is engaged in the shipping transport and logistics business with key segments divided into: (i) Charter, (ii) Passage, (iii) Freight, (iv) Tugboat services, and (v) Logistics services. To learn more about the Chelsea Group, visit https://www.chelsealogistics.ph/
Starlite Ferries, Inc. operates vessels which carry passengers and rolling cargoes primarily in the Southern Luzon and parts of the Visayas and Mindanao regions. Starlite Ferries was acquired by Chelsea Logistics in November 2017. To learn more about Starlite Ferries, visit https://www.starliteferries.com/
