Cebu, Philippines

Port Overview

Cebu is located in the Central Visayas region of the Philippines, positioned on the eastern coast of Cebu Island. As the core of Metro Cebu, it is the country’s second largest metropolitan area and the main domestic shipping port, making it strategically vital for trade and logistics in the southern Philippines. Cebu ranks among the busiest ports in the nation, handling over 1.5 million TEUs annually. Its central location and robust infrastructure reinforce its role as a key gateway for commerce and industry in the region.

Facilities & Infrastructure

Cebu’s main port facilities include the Cebu International Port and Domestic Zone, with a total quay length of about 4,572 meters and 33 berths. Key terminals handle container, bulk, Ro-Ro, and general cargo. The New Cebu International Container Port features a 500-meter berth, 12-meter depth, and a container yard for 14,400 TEUs. Modern equipment includes quay cranes; AGVs are not widely reported. Passenger terminals and subports support robust cargo and passenger traffic.

Container Terminals

Cebu’s main container terminal, Cebu International Port (CIP), has four berths and an annual capacity of about 900,000 TEUs. It is operated by the Cebu Port Authority with Oriental Port and Allied Services Corporation (OPASCOR) as the main cargo handler. Automation is limited, with operations primarily semi-manual. A new terminal, the New Cebu International Container Port (NCICP), is under construction, featuring a 500-meter berth, five quay cranes, and a planned capacity of 375,900 TEUs.

Port Services

• Container handling: Full container terminal facilities for loading, unloading, and storage of containers, including refrigerated container plugs.
• Cargo operations: General cargo, bulk, and roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) cargo handling with multiple berths and specialized equipment.
• Ship services: Pilotage, tug assistance, ship repairs, bunkering, garbage disposal, and provisions supply.
• Warehousing: On-site storage and warehousing for various cargo types.
• Customs: Comprehensive customs clearance and brokerage services for import and export cargo.

Global Connectivity

Port Connectivity

The Port of Cebu serves as the principal maritime gateway for the Visayas region, connecting Metro Cebu with major domestic ports across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao through extensive Roll-on/Roll-off links. Internationally, the port maintains shipping routes to major markets in Asia, Europe, and North America through services operated by global carriers including Maersk, CMA CGM, Evergreen, Hapag-Lloyd, and OOCL. The port handles approximately 200-300 vessel calls monthly, facilitating both regional trade within the Philippines and international commerce.

Port Statistics

Port of Cebu, Philippines – Key Statistics (2024):

• TEU Throughput: Approximately 820,000 TEUs annually
• World Ranking: Not in the global top 100 container ports
• Number of Berths: 14 main berths (Cebu International Port and domestic zone)
• Port Area: About 50 hectares (baseport); New Cebu International Container Port under construction (60 acres)
• Shipping Lines: Served by major international and domestic carriers, including Maersk, CMA CGM, Evergreen, and regional lines

Cebu is the largest domestic port in the Philippines and a vital logistics hub for Central and Southern Philippines.