Wider port fee cuts urged

CEBU, Philippines — A domestic shipping group has urged Philippine transport authorities to extend and widen recent port fee reductions, arguing the measures are cushioning operators from escalating global cost pressures.

In an April 20 letter, the Philippine Coastwise Shipping Association Inc. (PCSA) called the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) to replicate across the country the temporary relief introduced in Cebu, saying a nationwide rollout would deepen support for the maritime sector.

The group cited swift action by the Department of Transportation, the Cebu Port Commission and the Cebu Port Authority in implementing interim fee adjustments at Cebu ports.

The measures include a 40 percent discount on berthing and anchorage fees for domestic vessels, alongside the suspension of selected charges. These cover roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) wharfage fees for agricultural cargo vehicles—including six-wheel trucks, prime movers, tank lorries and larger haulers—as well as passenger terminal fees.

The association said the relief is helping ease mounting financial strain on shipping lines grappling with higher fuel costs and logistical disruptions linked to tensions in the Middle East.

“The immediate reduction demonstrated a clear recognition of the operational and financial pressures currently faced by the domestic shipping industry,” PCSA said.

It also credited the transportation department for facilitating coordination between regulators and industry players, adding that continued dialogue would be key to maintaining stability and confidence in the sector.