FastCat eyes to commission 60 vessels in 2030

FastCat, or the Archipelago Philippines Ferries Corporation (APFC), is eyeing to commission at least 60 roll-on, roll-off cum passenger vessels by the year 2030.

In a press conference here Monday, May 6, Christopher Pastrana, APFC president, said they wanted to promote local trade, tourism and capacity training for the maritime industry.

Pastrana was here during the ceremonial voyage of FastCat's Sulas-Caticlan-Bulalacao, Mindoro route.

"Currently, we have 20 modern vessels in the different parts of the country," he said.

With the available vessels, the APFC currently has 600 employees, and the number of job placement is expected to triple in 2030, said Pastrana.

He said all of their vessels are using state-of-the-art facility, including solar and wind energies.

The FastCat vessel, with its Culasi-Caticlan-Bulalacao trip, is expected to become operational before the year ends.

The maiden voyage has been set to sail upon the prodding of Senator Loren Legarda, who is currently running for a congressional seat in Antique. It was unveiled in February.

"This project will open up more opportunities for our kasimanwas (local residents. Antique's progress is truly unstoppable and I will make sure that this will be an inclusive development because we want to uplift the life of every Antiqueno," Legarda said.