This is an interesting and exciting news for all. A new electric passenger ferry (e-ferry) was launched recently to serve commuters via inland waterways such as the Pasig River in Metro Manila.
M/B Dalaray, the country’s first ferry running on electric battery, was designed and made in the Philippines. It is capable of carrying up to 40 passengers and three crew members for up to three hours.
It will begin operations along the Pasig River this coming November, traversing the cities of Pasig, Makati, Mandaluyong, Taguig and Manila.
The launch was led by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development, University of the Philippines – Diliman, and Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA).
DOST Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. said M/B Dalaray is meant to showcase government initiatives on lessening reliance on fossil fuels and reducing carbon emissions. “This is an outstanding product of Filipinos’ ingenuity and creativity, and industry,” he added.
The project advocates and envisions a clean, modern and future-ready system of transportation in the Philippines, that will contribute to the economy through the use of rivers and help further improve tourism in the Philippines.
“The E-ferry will also help in significantly reducing traffic problems, and provide comfortable travel experience to commuters,” MARINA Administrator Sonia Malaluan said.