Subic, Batangas eyed as extension ports to Manila

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Subic_containers_webThe Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) is set to sign a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) to designate some berths at Subic port as “extension” of Manila ports.

The MOA is one of government measures to help decongest Manila at the start of the peak shipping season.

Transport Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya said that once Subic port is recognized as Manila’s extension, shipments whose bill of lading specifies Manila as port of destination may be dropped off at Subic.

He added the same arrangement is being considered for Batangas port.

Abaya said shipping lines can call at either Batangas or Subic ports to offload cargoes, then load shipments at the ports of Manila.

“Most of the cargoes being offloaded in Manila are bound for Batangas or Southern Luzon. So I think we can make arrangements where these shipments could be offloaded in Batangas. In the same way, those that are northbound could be offloaded in Subic,” he said.

A PortCalls source said the scheme is easy enough to implement but SBMA has to provide a provisional authority for shippers to use NCT 1.

“We hope SBMA will ease the requirements for those using the Port of Subic, considering they are just port users and not freeport locators,” the source said.