Aznar Shipping granted pioneering route incentive under MARINA’s domestic shipping modernization program

Brand-new IACS-class vessel enhances maritime connectivity between Cebu and Leyte

Cebu City, Philippines – Cebu-based shipping operator Aznar Shipping Corporation (“Aznar” or the “Company”) has been granted pioneer route status by the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) for its brand-new MV Alexander Aznar I vessel certified by the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) for the Danao, Cebu–Isabel, Leyte route and vice versa

The grant was issued under MARINA Memorandum Circular No. DS-2025-04, which provides incentives for domestic fleet modernization by encouraging shipowners and operators to deploy brand-new, safer, and more efficient vessels on authorized routes. The incentive includes six-year route protection, under which no additional vessel may be authorized to operate on the same origin and destination ports unless there is insufficient capacity or a pressing national economic need. The route operations commenced in early 2026.“Through this IACS-class vessel, we are strengthening our ability to serve the growing movement of people, vehicles, and goods between Cebu and Leyte. MV Alexander Aznar I allows us to reduce travel time from four hours to three hours, increase capacity, and provide a more reliable transport option for passengers and cargo customers,” said Kyle Alexander Aznar, President and CEO of Aznar.

MV Alexander Aznar I significantly improves the Company’s passenger and cargo capacity on the Danao–Isabel route. The vessel can accommodate up to 340 passengers per trip, around 60% higher than the combined passenger capacity of previously deployed vessels. It can also carry 14 units of 10-wheeler wing vans and 24 four-wheel vehicles, equivalent to 22 units of 10-wheeler wing vans per trip, representing a 37.5% increase in cargo-carrying capacity compared with older vessels. The dedicated allocation for four-wheel vehicles also better matches the route’s historical cargo mix, where around 70% of cargo traffic consists of four-wheel vehicles.

“As the Visayas continues to grow, inter-island shipping will remain crucial in connecting key growth centers. Our goal is to continue serving as a sea bridge for the region by investing in vessels and routes that support safer travel, stronger cargo movement, and more reliable connectivity,” Aznar added.

Under MARINA’s circular, IACS-classed ships refer to vessels that adhere to high-quality standards of design, construction, and maintenance of IACS, the highest global benchmark for maritime safety and environmental protection.

MV Alexander Aznar I operates four trips daily between Danao, Cebu and Isabel, Leyte, ferrying both passengers and rolling cargo. The vessel departs from Isabel, Leyte to Danao, Cebu at 6:00 AM and 5:00 PM, and from Danao, Cebu to Isabel, Leyte at 11:00 AM and 11:00 PM.

Aznar said the deployment of MV Alexander Aznar I forms part of its broader strategy to strengthen short-haul, high-frequency route operations across the Visayas, where reliable maritime transport remains essential to trade, tourism, and everyday mobility.

About Aznar Shipping Corporation

Aznar Shipping Corporation is a regional shipping company that operates roll-on/roll-off vessels and landing craft tanks serving major islands in the Visayas. It currently operates across six ports and serves three major routes promoting inter-island trade and connectivity: Danao City, Cebu to Carmen, Leyte; Tabuelan, Cebu to Escalante City, Negros Occidental; and Bogo, Cebu to Palompon, Leyte. It serves regular shippers, truckers, logistics companies, bus transport operators, construction companies, forwarding services, and regular passengers, supporting the movement of people and goods across the region.

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