The Ocean Fast Ferries Inc. which owns the Ocean Jet fastcrafts has expressed intent to build its own seaport in Baclayon, said an official of the passenger line.
Ocean Fast Ferries operations manager Gene Lastimado on Thursday told dyRD Balita that construction of the pier has been initially set to commence next year.
The port will be built near the Tagbilaran-Baclayon boundary across the Englewood Hospital, Lastimado said assuring that there will be no need for reclamation as it will be a floating facility.
It will serve as docking area for the company’s vessels plying various routes and will cut the travel distance to the port, he added.
Currently, Ocean Jet vessels that come from the southwest area still have to go around Panglao Island before reaching the Tagbilaran City seaport.
According to Lastimado, Ocean Fast Ferries has started to coordinate with the Philippine Ports Authority and secure required documents for the construction of the multi-million-peso project.
The initiative will not be getting funding from the government as it will be facilitated by the company to hasten construction, he said.
Lastimado also noted that the project is part of efforts to prepare for the opening of the Panglao Bohol Airport.
This will cut travel time for airline passengers intending to board a fastcraft as they would no longer have to go through the Tagbilaran City traffic, he added.
Meanwhile, Ocean Jet is also planning to open new routes between Baclayon and Camiguin, Cagayan de Oro City and Plaridel. (Allen Doydora)