Metrostar Ferry

Metrostar Ferry was a passenger ferry service across Manila Bay between Cavite City and Pasay in Metro Manila, Philippines. It is owned and operated by Metrostar Ferry, Inc.

Metrostar Ferry
Overview
OwnerMetrostar Ferry, Inc.
LocaleMetro Manila and Cavite
Transit typeFerry
Number of lines1
Number of stations2
Operation
Began operationSeptember 24, 2007
Number of vehicles4
Technical
System length28 km (17.40 mi)

The route operated between terminals in San Roque, at the back of the Cavite City Hall, and SM Mall of Asia, adjacent to the Shrine of Jesus Church, in Bay City.[1][2] It is serviced by four Filipino-designed ships, the Doña Carmen, Doña Inez, Doña Avelina and Doña Mercedes.[3] Built in 2006, these ships are twin-hull, twin-engine, fully air-conditioned fiberglass catamarans which can carry between 130 and 550 passengers.[4]

The ferry service ran four times a day and makes a crossing in 45 minutes. The single journey cost is ₱75 per person, with a special discount rate of ₱60 for senior citizens and students.[2] The alternative drive from Mall of Asia to Cavite City is approximately two hours via the Manila–Cavite Expressway.

As of 2018, the ferry service is not in operation.[5]

History
The Metrostar Ferry Cavite Terminal

In 2006, Metrostar Ferry, Inc. secured a ₱135 million loan from the Philippine Export-Import Credit Agency (PhilEXIM) and the state-owned Philippine Veterans Bank to finance the project as part of the government's Manila Bay Transport Project.[6] It purchased Filipino-designed catamarans made by shipbuilders in Navotas and Malabon.[2][4] Metrostar Ferry made its maiden voyage in July 2007. It was inaugurated on September 24, 2007 by the PhilEXIM.[7]

The company also plans to interconnect with the Pasig River Ferry and open new routes from its Mall of Asia Terminal to Navotas, Bataan (Orion), Bulacan (Hagonoy) and Pampanga (Guagua).[4]

Two ferry boats owned by Metrostar Ferry were destroyed by fire in 2015, while on dock at SM Mall of Asia. The incident was allegedly caused by a spark in one vessel's generator.[8]

Fleet

Metrostar Ferry operated the following vessels (as of December 2012):

  • M/V Doña Adelina
  • M/V Doña Carmen
  • M/V Doña Ines
  • M/V Doña Mercedes

Ferry schedule
The Metrostar Ferry MOA Terminal
  • Mall of Asia to Cavite City[9]
07:45 – 08:30
11:00 – 11:45
15:00 – 15:45
18:30 – 19:15
  • Cavite City to Mall of Asia
06:30 – 07:15
09:30 – 10:15
13:30 – 14:15
16:30 – 17:15

References
  1. "Commuter services get Tourism dept backing". Manila Times. Retrieved May 25, 2016.
  2. "Ferry to Cavite from Mall of Asia". SM Prime. Archived from the original on June 11, 2016. Retrieved May 25, 2016.
  3. "List of operating vessels as of December 2012" (PDF). Maritime Industry Authority. Retrieved May 25, 2016.
  4. "Metrostar Ferry to expand destinations". Manila Times. Retrieved May 25, 2016.
  5. Cruz, Neal H. "Let's use more ferryboats and trains". Retrieved April 9, 2018.
  6. "Cavite ferry terminal soon to be constructed". Port Calls Asia. Retrieved May 25, 2016.
  7. "PhilEXIM unveils P135-M ferry project for Metro Manila". Inquirer.net. September 24, 2007. Archived from the original on June 29, 2013. Retrieved February 28, 2012.
  8. "Fire hits two ferry boats near Mall of Asia". Rappler. Retrieved April 9, 2018.
  9. "Manila Bay Cruise by Metrostar Ferry @Mall of Asia". Our Awesome Planet. Retrieved May 25, 2016.
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