The Department of Transportation (DOTr) in the Philippines will begin the bidding process to develop a multi-river ferry system in 2025. This project is targeting a public-private partnership (PPP) and aims to establish a high-capacity, high-frequency, and low-carbon ferry system across Manila Bay, Pasig River, Marikina River, and Laguna de Bay.
Currently, the DOTr and the PPP Center are conducting a study to assess demand and costs for the ferry system’s development. Key elements of the study include conducting passenger surveys to estimate usage, exploring the deployment of electric ferries and determining their energy sources and integrating the ferry system with road-based transportation like modern public utility vehicles (PUVs) and buses.
In addition to this ferry system project, the DOTr aims to invest more in the aviation and maritime sectors to improve the sustainability, safety, and efficiency of domestic shipping and increase airport capacities.
