Davao, Philippines
Davao is the Crown Jewel of Mindanao, famed for its vibrant culture, natural wonders, and as the gateway to Mount Apo.
Port Overview
Davao City, located in southeastern Mindanao, is the largest city in the Philippines by land area, spanning over 2,440 square kilometers. As the regional capital and main economic hub of the Davao Region, it serves as a vital gateway for trade, commerce, and industry in southern Philippines, with strong connections to the BIMP-EAGA growth area. The Port of Davao, a key international port, handles significant container traffic, with an annual TEU capacity estimated in the hundreds of thousands, supporting both domestic and international maritime trade. Its strategic location and robust port infrastructure make Davao a critical node in the Philippine maritime network.
Facilities & Infrastructure
Davao’s main port facilities include Sasa Wharf, Davao International Container Terminal (DICT), and private terminals like TEFASCO. Key terminals handle container, bulk, breakbulk, and roll-on/roll-off (RORO) cargo. The port is equipped with fixed and mobile cranes, including ship-to-shore cranes, and offers major cargo handling equipment. Warehousing and bagging facilities are available for bulk goods. Automated guided vehicles (AGVs) are not widely reported in current operations.
Container Terminals
Davao’s main container terminals include the Davao International Container Terminal (DICT) and Sasa International Seaport. DICT operates five berths totaling 930 meters, with a container handling capacity of around 250,000 TEUs annually. The terminal features modern handling systems and partial automation, including advanced cargo tracking and management. Major operators are DICT (a joint venture with Aboitiz and Philcement) and International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI) at Sasa Port.
Port Services
Main Services at Davao, Philippines
- Container Handling: Modern container terminals with advanced cranes and tracking systems, handling both international and domestic containerized cargo.
- Cargo Operations: Comprehensive facilities for bulk, break-bulk, and general cargo, including specialized berths for agricultural and mineral exports.
- Ship Services: 24/7 pilotage, tugboat assistance, bunkering (fuel supply), fresh water provisioning, and basic ship repair/maintenance.
- Warehousing: Covered and open storage areas with advanced cargo management for various goods.
- Customs: Efficient customs clearance, documentation support, and security screening for streamlined import/export processes.
Global Connectivity
The Port of Davao serves as the primary maritime gateway for southern Philippines and Mindanao region, connecting to major domestic ports across the archipelago and international destinations throughout Asia. The port maintains regular shipping routes to global markets with services from major carriers including Maersk, MSC, Evergreen, and OCEANIC. It functions as the busiest international container port in Visayas and Mindanao, facilitating trade through Davao Gulf in the Celebes Sea. The port system includes multiple facilities handling containerized cargo, bulk materials, agricultural exports, and passenger traffic, strengthening regional connectivity.
Port Statistics
Port of Davao Key Statistics
Location: Sasa, Buhangin District, Davao City, Mindanao
TEU Throughput: 824,898 TEUs handled in 2022, showing minimal year-on-year growth of 0.1%
Facilities: The port includes Sasa International Seaport for containerized cargo, Sta. Ana Pier for domestic vessels, and the modern Davao International Container Terminal (DICT) in Panabo City operated by ANFLOCOR Group
Role: Serves as southern Philippines' key maritime gateway, supporting Mindanao's economic growth through domestic and international trade connections with major ports
