First Aklanon Modern Trimaran Set to Sail

New Washington, Aklan- A first Aklan made modern trimaran vessel is set to sail soon as a multipurpose cruise vessel.

Engr. Jonathan Salvador, owner of the Metallica Shipyard and Consultancy Inc. said that the vessel which costs around Php18 million is soon to be inspected by the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA).

“It is made of metal and could be expected to be a wave resilient vessel. Also included in its specification were an engine room below and air powered equipment at this deck. It could accommodate at least 60 persons,” he said.

The said vessel is also considered as one of the practices of both mitigation and adaptation on climate change. To be named as M/V Sophia Grace, the vessel is also capable of doing search and rescue operations as it could be able to traverse to swampy areas anywhere in the country. The said vessel was manufactured in New Washington town at the Metallica Shipyard facility.

The said vessel is also being currently applied for accreditation for the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) for Research and Development in partnership with the private sector.

“We plan to train its five crews for search and rescue operations in coordination with the Philippine Coast Guard, the Office of the Civil Defense among other government agencies to assist during emergencies and disaster management,” he said.

For his part, Dr. Armenio Cordero, 81, owner of the said vessel said once the vessel gets a nod from the MARINA it would be deployed to Boracay as a party boat cruise. The boat has a feature of slides and diving board for tourists to enjoy cruising in Boracay.

The vessel is already accredited with the Boracay Land Transport Multi Purpose Cooperative (BLTMPC), a cooperative of the boat and transport sector in Boracay.

\”I decided to come up with a modern trimaran vessel not only for endurance but also for safety. The Filipinos are long known for the Trimaran Wood Vessel and I wanted to preserve the tradition in a modern and practical way,” he said The cruise will set to sail to Boracay soon, once the MARINA give its clearance to operate.