104 INTERVIEW Setting sail with safety and satisfaction Mary Ann Pastrana tells Justin Merrigan about Archipelago Philippine Ferries Corporation’s progress towards its ambitious vision of having 30 vessels in operation by 2030 For more than 20 years Archipelago Philippine Ferries Corporation (APFC) has been instrumental in bridging the archipelagic state of the Philippines, which comprises of 7,641 islands. It is a significant challenge, but under its flagship brand FastCat, APFC has built a strong reputation for reliability and innovation in ferry transportation, particularly noteworthy in a country with a history of marine safety concerns. FastCat is dedicated to ensuring safety, efficiency and customer satisfaction. The company has expanded with a commitment to elevate maritime safety standards in the Philippines, setting a benchmark for other ferry operators. This initiative not only enhances the overall ferry industry but also improves passenger comfort and convenience during travel. The initiatives are driven by APFC’s chairperson Mary Ann Pastrana, who is also president at the Archipelago Philippine Seafarers Training Institute, a centre focused on educating, training and upskilling seafarers. She also contributes to the advisory councils of the Philippine National Police Maritime Group and the Worldwide Ferry Safety Association. In addition, FastCat is actively pursuing its ambitious goal of operating 30 vessels by 2030. “As of 2024, the company boasts a fleet of 18 FastCat vessels, underscoring our commitment to expanding services and enhancing maritime transportation across the Philippines and beyond in Asia,” says Pastrana. “The momentum will continue as we increase our vessel count by 2030, thereby bolstering our capacity and service offerings. This expansion will enable us to better meet customer needs, extend our route coverage, and contribute to the overall efficiency and reliability of maritime transport in the region. We remain steadfast in our pursuit of this vision and eagerly anticipate the continued growth and modernisation of our fleet.” According to Pastrana, robust technology investments that enhance safety, cost efficiency and operational effectiveness are central to FastCat’s operational success and strategic vision. “Over the past two decades, the domestic shipping industry in the Philippines has seen significant growth and increased competitiveness,” she says. “However, recent research from the Philippine Institute for Development Studies underscores persistent inefficiencies that continue to pose challenges. These inefficiencies manifest in higher shipping costs, subpar service standards, and an alarming frequency of maritime incidents. The Philippine maritime industry stands at a critical juncture, necessitating immediate measures to upgrade, modernise and enhance sustainability and safety across the sector.” Passenger ferry operators in the Philippines and wider Asia face a range of critical challenges and opportunities. “Maintenance is a primary challenge, with operators grappling with limited availability of spare parts and drydock facilities,” explains Pastrana. “This
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