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The Maritime Industry Authority is allowing local shipping lines to reduce or limit trips and adjust rates by a maximum of 20% as part of contingency measures to address the Middle East crisis impact
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Rate adjustment applies to both passenger fare and cargo
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Subject to Board approval, MARINA may also waive the annual tonnage fee due in 2026, grant 75% discount on the payment of fees and charges on applications for issuance of ship documents/certificates, and suspend the implementation of new fees and charges
The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) is allowing shipping lines to reduce or limit trips and adjust both passenger and cargo rates as part of contingency measures to address the impact of the ongoing Middle East crisis on the maritime industry.
The measures under MARINA Advisory (MA) No. 2026-10 aim to address the surge on fuel prices and possible supply shortage as conflict in the oil-producing region is “causing volatility in global markets, specifically driving up global fuel prices and increasing shipping, logistics and energy costs due to the shutdown of fuel facilities across the Middle East and disruption of tanker shipping operation.”
As of March 9, global crude oil price has broken the $100 per barrel level. The Philippines sources 100% of its crude oil supply from the Middle East.
MARINA is also looking to waive the payment of annual tonnage fee due in 2026, grant a 75% discount on the payment of fees and charges on applications for issuance of ship documents/certificates during the period of crisis, and suspend the implementation of its new fees and charges under Memorandum Circular (MC) No. No. GC-2026-01, which took effect last February.
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These three measures are subject to the approval of the MARINA Board and issuance of the corresponding memorandum circular.
Shipping companies/operators may reduce or limit trips of ships, consolidating passengers and cargo volume to optimize load capacity of ships, subject to MARINA’s approval. It noted though that shipping companies/operators should prioritize the transport of basic and critical commodities/cargoes.
Cancellation of trips may be allowed subject to MARINA’s approval, except due to technical problems that may compromise safety of ship operation.
Shipping companies/operators should also issue travel advisories informing passengers of possible trip consolidation, schedule changes, or travel limitations approved by MARINA.
Shipping companies/operators should also submit to MARINA’s Franchising Service their business continuity plan, including their energy conservation protocols, within 10 calendar days from issuance of MA 2026-10.
Shipping companies/operators should also submit to the concerned MARINA regional office, within three calendar days from issuance of MA 2026-10 their passenger fare and cargo freight base fare, as of February 28, 2026.
Upward adjustment of passenger fare and cargo freight rates or fuel surcharge up to a maximum of 20% of the base fare will be allowed only during the crisis period.
Any upward adjustment or fuel surcharge of more than 20% will be subject to MARINA’s evaluation.
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Moreover, MARINA said immediately after the cessation of the emergency/ crisis, shipping companies should implement downward adjustment and remove fuel surcharge or revert to the fare/ freight rates prior to the crisis.
Domestic shipping lines have started sending their clients notices for the imposition of bunker fuel surcharge or adjustment of rates as a result of the increasing global oil prices and limited supply brought by the ongoing tensions in the Middle East.
According to the Philippine Liner Shipping Association, fuel accounts for about 30-40% of a vessel’s operating cost.
Passenger and cargo rates in the domestic liner shipping industry have been deregulated since 2004 through Republic Act No. 9295 (Domestic Shipping Development Act of 2004), but shipping lines are still required to notify MARINA and the public of any subsequent upward rate adjustment two weeks prior to effectivity.— Roumina Pablo
