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The Philippine Ports Authority assured the country’s maritime gateways remain fully operational amid the potential impact of disruptions from the recent closure of the Strait of Hormuz and escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East
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PPA on March 3 said there are no direct operational or routing disruptions affecting Philippine ports at this time even as developments abroad continue to influence certain international shipping passageways
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PPA general manager Jay Daniel Santiago noted that traders may expect possible increases in freight service costs should tensions further escalate
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PPA said it is committed to closely coordinating with shipping lines, port operators, and relevant government agencies to monitor global developments and ensure the uninterrupted movement of trade through Philippine ports
The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) assured the country’s maritime gateways remain fully operational amid the potential impact of disruptions from the recent closure of the Strait of Hormuz and escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
PPA in a statement on March 3 said there are no direct operational or routing disruptions affecting Philippine ports at this time, even as developments abroad continue to influence other international shipping passageways.
The Strait of Hormuz, located between Oman and Iran, connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. It handles the world’s largest crude oil tankers, and it is the world’s busiest oil shipping channel. Iran closed the Strait following the U.S. and Israel’s recent attacks on the Middle East country.
PPA general manager Jay Daniel Santiago said at present, these developments have not resulted in operational disruptions within the domestic port system.
He, however, noted that traders may expect possible increases in freight service costs should tensions further escalate.
READ: AISL warns of delays, higher costs in sea cargo
“There is no direct operational routing issue affecting our ports. However, any disruption in global shipping routes could affect freight rates, bunker costs, and eventually cargo volumes,” Santiago said.
“We do have shipments that pass through the Strait of Hormuz, particularly those originating from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, and Iraq. Exposure is primarily crude oil, refined petroleum products, and LNG [liquefied natural gas]. There are also some petrochemicals and fertilizer imports, as well as limited containerized cargo from Gulf transshipment hubs such as Jebel Ali, but the bulk of the strategic exposure is energy-related,” he noted.
PPA, meanwhile, underscored “the strength of the domestic port system, supported by sustained cargo growth.”
In 2025, cargo throughput rose by 6% to 307.64 million metric tons, driven by increased demand for construction materials and petroleum products. The growth reflects continued infrastructure activity and stable demand across key sectors of the economy.
READ: Cargo volume at PH ports up 6.6% in 2025
PPA reiterated its commitment to closely coordinate with shipping lines, port operators, and relevant government agencies to monitor global developments and ensure the uninterrupted movement of trade through Philippine ports.
