MARINA clears 3 ships

CEBU, Philippines - After finding no major deficiencies upon re-inspection, the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) has lifted the suspension of passenger ships MV St. Anthony de Padua of 2Go Shipping Lines and MV Princess of the Earth of Philippine Span Asia Carrier Corp. formerly known as Sulpicio Lines, Incorporated.

MARINA engineers conducted the reinspection and additional audit on the said vessels at the Port of Cebu yesterday.

In a statement, MARINA Regional Director Nannette Z. Villamor-Dinopol said MV Span Asia-5, a cargo ship of the Philippine Asia Carrier Corp. was also given clearance to sail after passing the inspection yesterday morning but the MV Princess of the South and MV Sulpicio Container-XIV of the same company will stay grounded until the noted major deficiencies are rectified.

MARINA Administrator Maximo Q. Mejia, Jr. ordered the suspension of the fleets of the two shipping companies last Saturday pending reinspection after the tragic sea vessel collision between MV Thomas Aquinas of 2Go Shipping and MV Sulpicio Express Siete of Philippine Span Asia Carrier Corp. in Lawis Ledge off Talisay City. —MIT (FREEMAN)