2GO Group adds advanced Japanese Ro-Ro vessel to fleet

2GO Group Inc., one of the country’s largest transportation and logistics provider, is expanding its fleet despite the business downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The firm announced the addition of “MV 2GO Maligaya,” a new generation roll-on, roll-off (Ro-Ro) passenger vessel that forms part of its fleet modernization. The vessel will serve the Manila-Cebu-Cagayan de Oro route.

“The new addition complements the broader service offerings of the other business units under the 2GO Group,” said 2GO chief operating officer Waldo Basilla.

“As a major player in the industry, it is imperative for us to take the lead in product innovation and unparalleled service to keep in step with world-class standards,” he added.

2GO is now controlled by the SM Group after the exit of Davao-based businessman’s Chelsea Logistics & Infrastructure Holdings Corp. last March.

Larger than other vessels

According to the company, MV 2GO Maligaya’s cargo capacity is 40 percent larger than its other vessels.

It has a top speed of 23.5 knots, meaning it can travel from Manila to Cebu in 17 hours. The company said this would further improve its so-called sailing schedule reliability to 95 percent.

The vessel was made by Japanese shipbuilders and has a German main engine. It is also equipped with an integrated navigation and control system, advanced fire alarm systems and multiple collision bulkheads as “collision mitigating support.”