SUBIC BAY

• PHSFS
• Latitude: 14.8346
• Longitude: 120.251
• Philippines
• Port in Philippines

Location: Philippines

Subic Bay is a renowned natural deep-water harbor located on the west coast of the island of Luzon in the Philippines. It lies northwest of Manila, the nation's capital, and is part of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), which oversees its operations and developments. Here's an overview of Subic Bay's port description and specifications:

Port Description:

• Location: West of Luzon, Southeast Asia, Philippines
• Coordinates: Approximately 14° 48' N latitude and 120° 17' E longitude
• Proximity: About 110 kilometers northwest of Manila
• Natural Attributes: Subic Bay is shielded from the open sea by the Bataan Peninsula, providing it with excellent natural protection.

Key Features:

• Type of Port: Developed as a commercial, industrial, maritime, and recreational complex after its conversion from a U.S. naval base.
• Water Depth: Deep natural harbor with navigable depths that can accommodate even the largest vessels.
• Berthing Facilities: Multiple piers and berths for container ships, cargo vessels, tankers, and leisure craft.
• Industrial Area: The port area includes industrial zones designated for various factories and service facilities.
• Cargo Handling: Facilities handle a range of cargo types—including containerized goods, bulk cargo, break-bulk, and Ro-Ro (roll-on/roll-off) vehicles.
• Freeport Zone: Operates as a freeport, providing tax incentives and other benefits to businesses.
• Ship Repair Facilities: Presence of ship repair yards capable of handling large-scale repair and maintenance works.
• Security: High-security standards owing to its history as a former U.S. Naval Base.
• Amenities: Modern terminal buildings, customs, and immigration facilities, warehousing, and logistics support.

Specifications:

• Container Terminals: Equipped with modern cranes, container stacking yards, and electronic data systems.
• General Cargo Terminals: Versatile berths for handling a variety of bulk and break-bulk cargoes.
• Storage Areas: Abundant warehousing spaces and open storage areas for cargoes.
• Anchorages: Safe anchorage points within the bay for vessels awaiting berths.
• Connectivity: Good road and railway connections to major cities, including Manila; also well-connected to neighboring regions and international destinations.

Maritime Infrastructure:

• Navigation Aids: Well-maintained lighthouses, buoyage system, VTS (Vessel Traffic Services)
• Pilotage: Compulsory for vessels entering or leaving the port, provided by experienced maritime pilots.
• Towage: Availability of tug services for berthing and unberthing operations.
• Bunkering: Facilities for refueling ships are available in the port.
• Dredging: Regular dredging operations ensure deep and safe navigation channels.

Economic and Strategic Importance:

• Economic Hub: Significant contributions to the regional and national economy through trade and industry.
• Strategic Location: Critical for maritime routes and plays a key role in the national defense and maritime security strategy.

Subic Bay continues to be a vital maritime and economic hub in the Philippines, driven by its strategic location, deep-water capabilities, and modern infrastructure.