Oceanjet services Maasin City

Fast craft sea service to Maasin City has returned after several years of waiting by its constituents, people from the neighboring towns and those who come to visit.
OceanJet Fast Ferries Inc., a leading maritime transportation company based in Cebu, has officially launched its newest route, connecting Cebu City, Maasin City, and Surigao. M/V Oceanjet 15 sailed this route’s maiden voyage on Wednesday, September 4, 2024. This state-of-the-art fastcraft, measuring 29 meters in length and 6.5 meters in width, has a seating capacity of 222 passengers. The launch followed a successful sea trial conducted on September 3, 2024.
The new route will operate daily, with a schedule designed to accommodate both local and regional travelers. Departures from Cebu City (Pier 1) to Maasin City are set at 7:00 AM, followed by trips from Maasin to Surigao at 10:30 AM, from Surigao to Maasin at 1:00 PM, and from Maasin back to Cebu City (Pier 1) at 3:30 PM.
Fares for the new route are competitively priced, with tickets available for PHP800 for Tourist/Open Air and PHP1,200 for Business Class on the Surigao to Maasin route, and PHP 1,100 for Tourist/Open Air and PHP1,600 for Business Class on the Maasin to Cebu route. Tickets can be purchased at the Maasin Pier ticketing office, located beside the NBI (formerly Kusinerong Musikero).
Vice President for Operations Bryan Lua expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome from the local government, led by Vice Mayor Maloney Samaco. The launch was celebrated with a festive atmosphere, as City Mayor Nacional Mercado provided a traditional lechon for the ship’s crew and local delicacies for the first passengers. Mayor Mercado highlighted the significance of this new route for the local economy and tourism in Southern Leyte. “The arrival of OceanJet in Maasin City is a welcome development that will greatly improve our transportation network. This service not only provides a more convenient travel option but also strengthens our city’s position as the gateway to Southern Leyte’s many attractions. We are excited about the opportunities this will bring to our city and we look forward to the impact this will have in our community,” Mayor Mercado said in a statement.
Lua is optimistic about the sustainable operation of the new shipping line, offering passengers a fast and comfortable travel experience. Vice Mayor Samaco also urged the residents of Maasin to support this new development “We hope the shipping line will thrive, and we encourage everyone to patronize OceanJet. However, we request that they consider adjusting their schedule to allow travelers more time to complete their business in Cebu and return the same day,” Samaco noted.
A Maasinhon, upon interview, said it is good that there is a daily fastcraft now because before this there was only one vessel that serviced a trip to/from Maasin to Cebu.
OceanJet is currently reviewing the possibility of modifying its schedule to better serve the needs of its passengers. (Andrea Vista, Dhonna Ybañez)