SBMA posted 12-percent revenue increase last year

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) has again broken its own record of sterling performance in the past three years with a bigger growth upsurge in 2015, which rode on the swell of opportunities in the transshipment and maritime logistics sector.

SBMA Chairman Roberto V. Garcia said in a media briefing on Monday that the Subic agency had coaxed a broad-based revenue growth across all strategic business units (SBUs) in 2015, posting a 12-percent revenue growth and achieving an 8-percent increase in operating profit for the same period.

Previously, SBMA’s gross revenue stood at P2.44 billion in 2014, the highest for the agency since it began operations in 1992, while its operating profit or earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization last year was at P1.39 billion, also the highest since 1992.

“The seaport/airport sector is now the leading SBU in Subic, with a 28- percent growth last year,” Garcia said during the news briefing.

He added that the growing transshipment and logistics revenue was bolstered by a 56-percent increase in the volume of containerized cargo processed in Subic, which rose from 77,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in 2014 to 120,000 TEUs in 2015.

Garcia said that, apparently, Subic has begun attracting legitimate shippers last year after being categorized as an extension for the Port of Manila in 2014.

“According to Secretary [Jose Rene] Almendras, there was no port congestion in Manila last year. However, Subic’s container volume still increased, so this can only mean that we have already attracted the legitimate shippers,” Garcia said.

Because of this, Garcia said SBMA is looking forward to bigger container volume in 2016. A 150,000-TEU target, he added, “would be easy [to achieve] this year.”

Aside from the growing transshipment and logistics revenue, Subic’s tourism sector also performed better in 2015, as it posted a 12-percent increase in tourist arrivals, bringing the year’s cumulative total to more than 6 million.

Nature theme parks, like Ocean Adventure and Zoobic Safari, contributed about 2.2 million to the 6 million arrivals for Subic in 2015, Garcia said.

Subic also posted in 2015 the highest hotel-occupancy rate in Central Luzon at 66 percent, as the meeting, incentive, conference and exhibition, and sports tourism niches gained more visitors.

“This is why more new hotels are being built here, and existing ones are expanding because there is a demand,” Garcia said.

He said that after several hotels and restaurants opened along Subic’s waterfront area in mid-2015, the Best Western Hotel was inaugurated late last year while the newest addition, The Reef Hotel, began construction.

Meanwhile, because of better financial performance in the last four years, SBMA was able to increase its capital expenditures from P30 million in 2014 to P40 million in 2015, as well as implement a 10-percent retroactive salary increase for all its personnel.

Garcia also said that, with better financial standing in 2015, SBMA contributed an estimated P630 million in dividends to the national government, an increase of 11 percent over its P570-million contribution in 2014.

SBMA’s outstanding performance in 2015, Garcia added, was capped by Subic’s recognition by fDi Magazine, a publication of The Financial Times of London, as “Global Free Zone of the Year” for Asia.

Subic also received two special awards from fDi last year: one for infrastructure development and another for reinvestment. (Henry Empeño, Business Mirror)

http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/sbma-posted-12-percent-revenue-increase-last-year/

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Stealth submarine USS Tucson visits Subic Bay

The Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Tucson (SSN 770) arrived at Subic Bay last week for a visit as part of its Indo-Asia-Pacific deployment.

In a statement Wednesday, the US embassy said the USS Tucson is one of the stealthiest and most advanced submarines in the world.

Measuring more than 360 feet long, this submarine is capable of supporting a multitude of missions, including anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface ship warfare, strike, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance.

With a crew of approximately 150, the Tucson will conduct a multitude of missions and showcase the latest capabilities of the submarine fleet.

For many of the crew members, this was their first time visiting the Philippines.

“I look forward to learning about the customs and traditions of the Philippines,” said Culinary Specialist 3rd Class Evan Lusk. “I intend to view local sites and look forward to some well-earned rest and relaxation.”

However, some of the Tucson’s Filipino-American sailors had an opportunity to connect with their heritage.

“I am excited to visit my family’s home country and share our native heritage with my fellow shipmates,” said Seaman Christian Bello.

The men have worked and trained hard to prepare the ship for deployment and their performance over the past 11 months has been nothing less than exceptional,” said Senior Chief Electronics Technician Billy Daly Jr., USS Tucson’s chief of the boat. “I am proud to serve with each and every one of these sailors and to be part of USS Tucson.” (SNL)

PHOTO:
US fast-attack submarine USS Tucson is one of the stealthiest and most advanced submarines in the world. (US Navy/1st Class David J. Weideman)

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3 US military warcraft in PH

A maritime surveillance aircraft, a Los Angeles-class fast attack submarine, and a joint high-speed vessel of the United States Navy (USN) are currently in the country.

At Clark Air Base in Pampanga is a P8-A Poseidon, while now in Subic are the USS Cheyenne (SSN 773) and the Military Sealift Command joint high speed vessel USNS Millinocket (JHSV 3).

The P8-A is the most advanced long-range anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare aircraft in the world. A true multi-mission aircraft, it also provides superior maritime intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capability.

A senior military official admitted that the P8-A regularly deploys to the country to conduct joint training and maritime patrol with the Philippine military.

“The P8-A is here on a regular deployment for purposes of continuing bilateral Maritime Security (MarSec) training and for joint Maritime Patrol (MarPat) over important sea lanes,” said the official who requested anonymity.

He stressed that the deployment of the US surveillance aircraft is “under the purview of the 1951 PH-US Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) and activities managed by the PH-US Mutual Defense Board-Security Engagement Board (MDB-SEB).”

“They are here usually for two to three weeks,” he said.

According to the official, the activities conducted with the P8 benefit the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and other countries in terms of skill sets gained from the MarSec training “as well as the added patrols that are put up to watch over our vast coastlines.”

“Nagmamatyag habang nagti-training (Monitoring while training),” the source said.

“The region benefits from it as well since these patrols render sea lanes safer for ships by reducing reaction time in the event of potential emergencies,” he added.

A US military officer earlier said that the P8-A operates out of Clark on a rotational basis. “But they swap units every couple of months. I think it is actually as frequent as every 45 days,” he said.

The US Marine officer emphasized that “the patrolling squadrons abide by the “no activity” periods stipulated by the Philippine government.”

It was learned that the “regular deployment” in Clark of the P8-A started around last quarter of 2014. (Elena L. Aben, Manila Bulletin)

PHOTO:
The USS Cheyenne in one of its port calls in Subic Bay

http://www.mb.com.ph/3-us-military-warcraft-in-ph/

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6-star cruise ship diverted to Subic port

The six-starred cruise ship “M/V Silver Shadow” dropped anchor here yesterday for a two-day visit as a “no sail zone” was declared at the Port of Manila due to the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Meeting.

Captain Ildefonso Gonzales, Port Captain and General Manager of the Sharp Port Services, Inc., the port of Subic was considered as its priority alternative port call since Manila South Harbor declared “no sail zone” on November 17-20.

The Silver Shadow is a cruise ship built in Italy that entered into service in year 2000, which can carry up to 382 passengers.

Being operated by Silversea Cruises along with seven other cruise ships, the Silver Shadow was brought to the Philippines through SHARP Travel Services Inc.

Silver Shadow, a cruise ship rated with six stars for its exceptional services, amenities, cuisine and accommodations, docked at the Alava Pier in Subic Bay Freeport straight from Coron, Palawan.

It has been in Philippine waters since November 16 and has toured Tagbilaran, Bohol; Boracay Island, and Coron, Palawan.

It will set sail toward Hong Kong when it leaves the Subic port on November 21. (Jonas Reyes, Manila Bulletin)

PHOTOS:
MV SILVER SHADOW IN SUBIC BAY

[1] Dock workers wait for the MV Silver Shadow cruise ship as it prepares to dock at the Subic Bay Freeport Thursday (Nov. 19) morning for a port call. The cruise ship, which carries around 700 crew and passengers, who are mostly European tourists, has been in various Philippine tourist destinations since Nov. 16 and will be sailing to Hong Kong today. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

[2] School children perform a native dance to welcome the arrival of MV Silver Shadow, which docked at the Subic Bay Freeport Thursday (Nov. 19) morning. The cruise ship, which carries around 700 crew and passengers, who are mostly European tourists, has been in various Philippine tourist destinations since Nov. 16 and will be sailing to Hong Kong today. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

http://www.mb.com.ph/6-star-cruise-ship-diverted-to-subic-port/

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Subic marks 100,000th TEU with unloaded cargo from Kaohsiung

Subic’s New Container Terminal 2 (NCT2) registered its 100,000th twenty-foot equivalent unit (TEU) cargo container last Saturday, marking a milestone in maritime business in this Freeport.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman Roberto Garcia, who was on hand to witness the unloading, said the event only manifested the growing number of port users already transporting their goods through the Port of Subic after it became an extension facility of the Port of Manila.

“This only shows that our efforts to make Subic the most competitive port in Luzon are all reaching fruition,” Garcia said, as he congratulated officials of the Subic Bay International Container Terminal (SBITC), which operates the NCT2.

Garcia said that in August this year, the Port of Subic already recorded 83,000 containers, a number that was almost double the 43,000 recorded for the same period last year.

“As we reached the 100,000-mark this month, we again reached another milestone,” he added.

Garcia said that that SBMA has been successful so far in marketing Subic as the only port in Luzon that has a one-stop shop.

SBMA’s hosting of two maritime summits, the formation of a Maritime Technical Group, and the agency’s aggressive maritime business marketing program “certainly helped a lot in this undertaking,” he also said.

Garcia said the one-stop-shop facility inside Subic’s container terminal has been very well appreciated by brokers from Manila and Northern and Central Luzon because all the necessary documentation “stops” could be accomplished within the shop.

“If your papers are in order, you can finish processing in just 30 minutes or an hour,” he said.

SBITC general manager Roberto Locsin said the 100,000th container was unloaded from Kaohsiung, Taiwan, by Wan Hai Lines for delivery to United Auctioneers, Inc., a heavy equipment trader in the Subic Bay Freeport.

“We never selected it. It was luckily scheduled to unload,” Locsin said.

As this happened, Chairman Garcia also noted that the SBMA is expanding its seaport, and “is pushing very hard to increase cargo volume here to decongest Manila Port.”

The SBMA official also noted that Subic is the only port in the western seaboard that still has the capacity to accommodate more containers, as the Batangas port is already 100% full.

“Before you could unload in Batangas or even in Manila, you’d be forced to wait for three to four days. In Subic, you can enter anytime, unload anytime and process your cargo anytime” he said. “We now have seven shipping lines coming to Subic on a regular basis,” he added.

Subic, as well as Batangas, became an extension port because of congestion in Manila.

Subic now has seven shipping lines unloading and taking in cargo on a regular basis after President Aquino signed Executive Order 172 that designated Subic as an alternative port to Manila. (RAV/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:

SBMA Chairman Roberto Garcia (middle, left) receives from SBITC general manager Roberto Locsin a copy of documents marking the arrival of the 100,000th TEU at the New Container Terminal 2 in Subic Bay Freeport. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

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US Navy submarine USS Key West visits Subic Bay

SUBIC BAY, Philippines (NNS) -- The Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Key West (SSN 722) arrived in Subic Bay for a visit as part of its deployment to the Western Pacific, Nov. 4.

"I'm incredibly proud of the crew and what we've accomplished over the past couple of months," said Cmdr. John Thompson, Key West's commanding officer. "Their hard work to prepare for deployment was validated through a very successful execution. Now we have a new mission at hand - to represent the United States while enjoying the sights and experiences that the Philippines has to offer."

Master Chief Electronics Technician Eric Baker, chief of the boat aboard Key West, expressed similar sentiments.

"This has been a very busy year for Key West and these men have worked very hard," said Baker. "They are ready for this well-deserved port visit after a successful deployment and are eager to explore and take in the culture and sights of Subic Bay."

After more than a month at sea, the crew of Key West was very much looking forward to its first stop in Subic Bay.

Electronics Technician 3rd Class Zachary Cenit looked forward to reconnect with his family.

"I haven't seen my relatives in four years," said Cenit. "I can't wait to see them and eat and celebrate together."

Other Sailors, such as Electronics Technician 1st Class Joel Ignalla were just eager to return home.

"I was raised in San Pedro Laguna until I was 14," said Ignalla. "For me, the Philippines represent my childhood."

"I've heard a lot of great things about Subic Bay," said Sonar Technician 1st Class Robert Hatton. "I'm excited for the diving, especially the wrecks regarding our shared history between the United States and the Philippines."

A second-flight 688 submarine, Key West is outfitted with four MK 67 torpedo tubes and 12 Tomahawk cruise missile vertical launch tubes. The 360-foot, 6,900-ton vessel remains one of the stealthiest, most formidable submarines in the world. Key West is able to conduct anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface ship warfare, strike warfare, and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance. (Lt. j.g. David Oh, USS Key West Public Affairs)

PHOTO
A tug boat helps position the US Navy submarine USS Key West while its crewmembers secure its moorings at the Alava Wharf after arrival in the Subic Bay Freeport for a routine port stop on Wednesday morning. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=91842

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Ship calls at Subic Port jump by 53% in September

Even more ships now call on the Port of Subic, as indicated by a 53 per cent buildup in its number of ship calls, as of end-September compared to the same month last year.

Living up to the promise of being an alternative port to Manila, the Subic Port saw a rise in the number of domestic and foreign vessels by 56 per cent and 47 per cent, respectively, for the month.

These vessels brought in a 10 per cent increase in gross registered tonnage (GRT), as domestic vessels mustered a substantial spread of 126 per cent in GRT and foreign ships, a modest gain of six (6) per cent.

“Our port likewise enjoyed a 55 per cent hike in revenues, from P63 million in September 2014 to P99 million last month,” Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority chairman and administrator Roberto Garcia reported.

A major contributors to the Port’s revenue figures were port leases and rentals, which surged up by 126 per cent; and SBMA shares, which improved by 110 per cent, Garcia added.

Also contributing to this increase in revenues were cargo charges, which went up by 19 per cent; and processing fees and other charges, which expanded by 27 per cent and 26 per cent, respectively.

According to Garcia, the Subic Port also showed marked improvements in cargo volume at the end of September, as containerized cargo shipments swelled by 50 per cent in terms of twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs).

“As of last month, we have already broken our 2014 yearend record of 77,000 TEUs,” Garcia disclosed, noting that total TEUs from January to September this year have already reached 93,757 TEUs.

Although transshipments went down from 65 TEUs in September 2014 to six (6) TEUs in September this year, this drop was compensated by a 51 per cent increment in import shipments and a 19 per cent upturn in export shipments, along with a 52 per cent and a 84 per cent growth in incoming empties and outgoing empties, respectively.

Similarly, non-containerized cargo volume registered a growth of 48 per cent in terms of metric tons (MTs) in September, as compared to the same month last year. These cargoes largely consisted of liquid bulk and petroleum shipments, which jumped by 99 per cent, followed by bulk and break bulk by 16 per cent, and heavy equipment, lo-lo, and ro-ro shipments by four (4) per cent.

Garcia attributes the port’s positive performance to several factors such as Subic’s one-stop shop, which is the only one of its kind in Luzon; SBMA’s port marketing programs, which includes two recent maritime summits; and the formation of a Maritime Technical Group.

“All these initiatives plus the fact that Subic Bay is the only port in the Philippines western seaboard that still has enough capacity to handle additional container volume have further sharpened our port’s competitive edge,” the top SBMA official explained. (KMF/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:
Containers unloaded at the New Container Terminal in Subic Bay Freeport. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

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Royal Australian Navy ships in Subic Bay

Royal Australian Navy ships HMAS Arunta and HMAS Sirius are in Subic for a five-day visit, 7-11 October 2015. The short break from sea will give the ships’ companies an opportunity to continue their association with Filipino colleagues and experience Philippine culture and sights.

“Australia values the deepening engagement with the Philippine Navy,” said Australian Ambassador Bill Tweddell, who welcomed the officers and crews of Arunta and Sirius at Subic, where the ships are docked. The Ambassador was accompanied by Defence Attaché Col Bruce Murray, AM.

Australia and the Philippines have a long-standing Defence Cooperation Program on counter-terrorism, maritime security and assistance to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Modernization Program. Recently, Australia gifted two operation-ready Landing Craft Heavy (LCH) from the Royal Australian Navy to help improve the Humanitarian Assistance Disaster Relief (HADR) capacity of the Philippine armed forces.

The Royal Australian Navy played a vital part in the Australian Defence Force’s humanitarian efforts in the Philippines in 2013, carrying emergency supplies, water purifiers, generators, earth moving equipment and vehicles to areas affected by Typhoon Yolanda.

HMAS Arunta is an Anzac class frigate while HMAS Sirius is a fleet replenishment ship. The two ships have just completed successful exercises in the Indian Ocean.

HMAS Arunta is the second Royal Australian Navy ship to bear the name, and has historical ties to the Philippines. The first HMAS Arunta took part in the liberation of the Philippines in 1944, including pre-landing bombardments at Leyte Gulf and the Battle of Surigao Strait. In January 1945 the ship was suffered a near miss from a kamikaze at Lingayen Gulf. In July 1946 the first HMAS Arunta carried Commodore John Collins to Manila for the inauguration of the Philippine Republic.

The current HMAS Arunta has another link to the Philippines. Two Filipino-Australian sailors are currently serving as part of Arunta’s ship's company. Able Seaman Electronics Technician Aaron Scott and Able Seaman Boatswains Mate Matthew Parry will be taking some time off to visit with family in the Philippines.

“This deployment is especially important to me as I am able to visit the Philippines again, and I feel proud that my family will get to see me doing my job. It will also be a good opportunity to embrace, explore and remember what my background culture is all about,” Able Seaman Scott said.

This will be Able Seaman Parry’s first visit to the Philippines. "The port visit to the Philippines will be a great opportunity to meet family I have never met and to see what the culture and the lifestyle is like for my Mother and her family,” he said.

PHOTO:
HMAS Arunta and Sirius conduct a Replenishment at Sea while enroute to Subic Bay, Philippines

http://philippines.embassy.gov.au/mnla/MR151007.html

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Container volume doubles at Port of Subic

Container shipments at the Port of Subic doubled as of August this year as Manila continues to experience massive port congestion.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman Roberto V. Garcia, in a press briefing, told reporters that as of August this year, container volume at the Port of Subic has already reached 83,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) compared to 43,000 TEUs for the same period last year.

This indicated a 93 percent increase, Garcia pointed out.

The SBMA official said efforts by the agency and partner locators to ensure ease in cargo processing at the Port of Subic, as well as other marketing initiatives, contributed to the rise in container volume here.

“We are the only port in Luzon that has a one-stop shop, and this gives us the competitive edge,” Garcia also explained. “They come to our container port, go to our one-stop shop where offices of the SBMA, Customs, and the Landbank are there all in one place, and in just a matter of 30 minutes, their papers are already processed.”

“The one-stop shop and our marketing programs such as the two recent maritime summits and the formation of a Maritime Technical Group, are all coming into play right now,“ Garcia added.

At the rate the Port of Subic is performing, Garcia said he expect shipping volume this year to double last year’s yearend record of 77,000 TEUs.

The SBMA chair also concurred with Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr. who said in a recent forum here that Subic is the answer to the current traffic congestion in Manila.

“Senator Marcos hasn’t been here for some time, but he was really impressed with Subic. We are really pushing very hard to increase the volume here to help decongest Manila,” Garcia said.

Subic Bay is the only port in the western seaboard of the Philippines that still has enough capacity to handle additional container volume.

Garcia said that unlike the Port of Batangas, which has now reached its full capacity, shippers can come to Subic any time.

Seven major shipping lines are now calling on the port of Subic on a regular basis. These include Maersk, APL, NYK, and SITC, among others. (RBB/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:
Container ships unloads cargo at the New Container Terminal in the Subic Bay Freeport. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

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Rising volumes push Manila, Subic to upgrade ports

HONG KONG — International Container Terminal Services Inc. is investing heavily in construction and port equipment to improve productivity that will be required to deal with rising container volumes expected through its Manila and Subic import gateways.

Manila International Container Terminal (MICT), the ICTSI flagship, has had a request to spend $107 million on expanding yard capacity approved by the Philippines Board of Investments, while Subic Bay International Container Terminal Corp. (SBITC) recently deployed three new reach stackers and 16 new Kalmar Ottawa terminal tractors.
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Port equipment upgrades are being made by ICTSI, and six new rubber tired gantries have been ordered that may be deployed at either MICT or Subic terminals. This will be added to the three new reach stackers and 16 new Kalmar Ottawa terminal tractors that SBITC commissioned recently.

There has been renewed interest in Subic port that played a large role during the congestion. At the height of the bottlenecks, an order from the government temporarily lifted cabotage restrictions on Subic and Batangas ports that allowed foreign carriers to be loaded or unloaded there if Manila was backed up. Now that the Philippines has scrapped the cabotage law, there is expected to be greater volumes flowing through the country’s smaller ports.

The cabotage reform will bring down the exorbitant costs of domestic shipping and improve efficiency as foreign carriers compete on an equal level with the few local players that have cornered the market, and it has received a warm welcome from the Philippine Ports Authority.

"The major gateways have long been capable of handling bigger ships and our secondary gateways are being improved to handle international vessels," said PPA general manager Juan Sta. Ana.

"They have been improving the capacity and capability of the Philippine ports in anticipation of the implementation of the ASEAN Economic Community at the start of next year, and those measures somehow help the state-owned agency adjust easily to the amendments in the cabotage law,” he said.

Roberto Locsin, SBITC general manager, said terminal productivity and efficiencies will continue to improve as SBITC makes key investments in equipment and technology. “It is also part of our effort to persuade more customers to use Subic as it is logically the gateway for these regions (central and northern Luzon),” he said.

“The new equipment, along with the opening of a one-stop shop, will allow us to continue to deliver superior customer experience for our customers from the quay to the gate including brokers, forwarders, and truckers and ultimately, the cargo owner.”

The one-stop shop Locsin was referring to is a move to house the relevant customs and port authorities under one roof to revamp the often tedious documentation process and hasten the processing of import transactions. It allows the seamless flow of transactions as port users no longer have to travel to different areas around Subic to process documents.
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The MICT project will see the construction of Berth 7 in Manila’s North Harbor that will include a 300-metre wharf and back up area that when completed will be able to handle up to 2.5 million 20-foot containers.

A key part of the MICT project will be an expansion of yard space for storage of empty containers as ICTSI tries to resolve what was a significant part of the chronic port congestion that brought Manila to a standstill for most of last year.

The Philippines is a net importer of containerised goods with around 900,000 empty TEUs shipped out every year being handled by MICT. At one point during the congestion in Manila, 75,000 TEUs were waiting to be collected in the port.

Phase 1 of the Berth 7 yard development has been completed, adding four hectares of empty container depot that will be able to store up to 4,300 TEUs. An additional two hectares able to store more than 2,000 TEUs will be added by the end of the year.

The whole project is expected to be completed by 2017 and will complement the development of Laguna Gateway Inland Container Terminal, a dry port operated by ICTSI 36 miles south of Manila.

Laguna dry port’s phase 1 expansion will include extended and dedicated storage areas for loaded and empty containers, a runway for rubber-tired gantries (RTG), container care facilities, weigh bridges at the gates, an upgraded access road and a direct rail service to the sea port. The full project will effectively add 250,000 TEUs of capacity to MICT.

“Once everybody starts using Laguna dry port, we can expect even better productivity levels at MICT,” said Christian Gonzalez, ICTSI vice president and head of Asia-Pacific.

Philippine business and government officials appear to be at odds over whether Manila will experience a return of port congestion when container volumes increase ahead of the Christmas season.

Cabinet Secretary Rene Almendras, who heads Task Force Pantalan that is charged with finding solutions to port bottlenecks, told the House of Representatives Ways and Means Committee this week there will be a smooth flow of goods with no congestion in and out of the country's ports for the upcoming Christmas season, when the volume of imported goods naturally increases.

"Everything is moving well. We don't expect problems in December," Almendras told the committee during a hearing at the legislature, according to online news portal InterAksyon.

However, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce had the opposite opinion. Local media quoted chamber president Alfredo Yao as saying port congestion might be inevitable during the last quarter because of a surge in container volumes.

“There should be tightening in the ports again because the truck ban is gone and it’s also the last quarter which is the peak season for importers,” Yao told reporters. “I hope not but there is that possibility.” Yao did concede that “it may not be as bad as last year.” (Greg Knowler, Senior Asia Editor, JOC.com)

PHOTO:
Subic Bay International Terminal Corporation has added 16 new Kalmar Ottawa terminal tractors to its prime mover fleet ahead of an expected increase in container movement in the coming months.

full story: http://www.joc.com/port-news/rising-volumes-push-manila-and-subic-upgrade-ports_20150929.html

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Subic cargo volume seen to increase by 40%

Shipping volume at the port of Subic will hit around 130,000 TEUs this year, for a 40% increase from last year’s figure which stood at 77,000 TEUs, officials said Monday as they cited the boon from the recently signed Cabotage Law and continuing port congestion in Manila.

“The Subic port continues to do very well this year as we celebrate the anniversary of the New Container Terminal 1 (NCT1), Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority Chairman and Administrator Roberto J. Garcia said in a press conference.

As of July this year, the port of Subic has already hit its target of 73,000 TEUs, way before the peak months from September to December as far as imports are concerned, according to Garcia.

“Again we are going into the heavy months starting September and if the port congestion in Manila persists, we can expect more containers to come to Subic,” Garcia told reporters.

Garcia also welcomed the passage last month of the Cabotage Law (Republic Act No. 10668) that allows foreign vessels to transport and co-load foreign cargo for domestic transshipment and for other purposes, which he said will increase cargo traffic in Subic.

“Under the current arrangement, international sips are allowed to go to only one port of destination. Under the Cabotage Law, they can go to any port – from Subic to Puerto Princesa, to Iligan, wherever,” Garcia explained.

He said he believes the beneficial effect of the new law is that the local shipping lines will be more competitive, and consequently, shipping cost will decrease

“As you know, the Philippines has one of the highest interisland shipping rates, and reports have it that it is more expensive to ship a container from Manila to Davao than from Manila to Singapore,” Garcia said. “It doesn’t make sense, and that is not good for business,” he added.

The SBMA chair also said he followed up with the newly appointed Customs Collector Emelito Aquino his earlier request to send back to the ports of Manila the 15 containers of trash which came from Canada, and that the latter immediately endorsed this request to the Customs Commissioner.

“We made our position very clear – we don’t want that trash here,” he stressed. (Ansbert Joaquin, InterAksyon.com)

PHOTO:
Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority Chairman and Administrator Roberto J. Garcia. (Photo by Ansbert Joaquin)

http://www.interaksyon.com/business/115767/subic-cargo-volume-seen-to-increase-by-40

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US fast attack submarine USS Chicago also in Subic Bay

Only a day ahead of the floating hospital USNS Mercy that docked today (August 4), the Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Chicago (SSN 721) is also in Subic Bay for a visit as part of its Western Pacific deployment.

The USS Chicago, returning to Subic Bay since it last came here in May last year, arrived Monday (August 3) and is seen docked at the Alava Pier along with the USNS Mercy.

With a crew of approximately 170 Sailors, Chicago has been conducting a multitude of missions to showcase the latest capabilities of the submarine fleet.

“It’s an outstanding feeling to see all the hard work the crew invested in maintaining this forward deployed warship rewarded with an outstanding port of call,” said Cmdr. Lance Thompson, Chicago’s commanding officer. “The crew looks forward to experiencing many of the diverse activities the Philippines has to offer.”

Chicago is the first fast-attack submarine to be built with a vertical launch system. This allows the Navy to maintain a constant forward presence capable of strategic action.

“The months leading up to our departure from Guam the crew worked hard to prepare for this underway and have performed well,” said Master Chief Machinist’s Mate Jamie Manzoeillo, the chief of the boat aboard Chicago. “We now look forward to the opportunity to be ambassadors of our great nation and enjoy some well-deserved liberty in one of the finest ports in the Pacific.

For many crew members, this was their first time visiting the Philippines.

“I can’t wait to breathe some fresh air and enjoy some awesome local food,” said Fire Control Technician 3rd Class Ethan Suttles.

Logistics Specialist 1st Class Allendale Basa, a native of the Philippines, was excited to visit family members.

“I’m looking forward to spending some quality time with my family in Olongapo City,” said Basa.

Measuring more than 360 feet long and weighing more than 7,000 tons when submerged, Chicago is one of the most advanced submarines in the world. This submarine is capable of supporting a multitude of missions including intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface ship warfare, and strike.

Chicago is home ported in Guam, where it remains in a forward deployed state of readiness. The ship has finished extensive and continuous maintenance availability, tactical readiness review and recently completed its second mission vital to national security in 2015. (SNL)

PHOTO:
Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Chicago (SSN 721). (Photo file from the US Embassy)

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Hospital ship to bring more smiles to residents of Subic community (UPDATED)

The floating hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19) is set to arrive in Subic Bay Freeport on August 4 to undertake a cleft-lip and palate surgical mission as part of Pacific Partnership 2015 (PP15), the largest annual multi-lateral humanitarian assistance and disaster-relief preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

According to the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), the surgical mission will be done aboard the USNS Mercy and will be sponsored by Operation Smile and the Kapampangan Development Foundation (KDF) in cooperation with Rotary International District 3790.

The Pacific Partnership 2015 also provides real-world medical care to thousands of patients, veterinary services, and critical infrastructure development to host nations through multiple engineering projects.

In line with this, the SBMA Office of the Deputy Administrator for Public Health will be facilitating the screening of potential patients who require cleft-lip and palate surgery.

The screening will be held at the Subic Gym on August 5, from 7:00 a.m. onwards.

Potential patients should weigh at least 10 kilograms, not undernourished, and free from colds, cough, or fever at the time of the screening, the SBMA ODA for Public Health said.

Interested parties may call or text Mr. Raul Peralta at 0917-888-4545, or the Office of the Deputy Administrator for Public Health and Safety at (047)252-4924/4307.

The USNS Mercy will arrive in Subic Bay from Roxas City on August 5 to continue is humanitarian mission in the Philippines. It will dock at the Alava Wharf here.

The ship’s crew will also conduct Fundamentals of Disaster Management Course on August 5 at the James L. Gordon Memorial Hospital and Basic Life Support Training with personnel from the Philippine Heart Center on August 6 at the Harbor Terminal, Subic Bay.

The USNS Mercy crew will be in Subic Bay until August 12 for the continuing Pacific Partnership expert-exchange events and community relations projects while the ship undergoes routine maintenance at the Subic port.

Now in its tenth year, the Pacific Partnership missions have provided medical care to approximately 270,000 patients and veterinary services to more than 38,000 animals.

Additionally, the mission has provided critical infrastructure developments to host nations through the completion of more than 180 engineering projects. (RFD/MPD-SBMA)

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USNS Mercy in Subic Bay on Aug. 5 for Pacific Partnership 2015

The hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19) will be in Subic Bay Freeport on August 5-14 for the second leg of its mission stop in the Philippines for Pacific Partnership 2015 (PP15).

The Mercy crew is now in Roxas City for the first half of its visit to the country, performing surgical procedures and hosting community health engagements.

Mercy will depart Roxas City on Aug. 4, and transit to Subic Bay to continue its mission in exchanging events and community relations projects. While in Subic Bay, the ship will also undergo routine maintenance.

Capt. Melanie Merrick, commanding officer of the medical treatment facility on board Mercy said, PP15 is such a wonderful opportunity for their medical teams because they get the chance to work side-by-side with the Philippine medical community. "We learn so much from each other and this collaboration strengthens our international partnership and better prepares us to respond to natural disasters throughout the region,” Merrick said.

In addition, the Mercy crew will host partnership events such as a multilateral leadership forum on gender and development, partnered training with Barangay health workers, biomedical repair exchanges, and a disaster risk reduction forum intended to enhance international response to natural disasters.

PP15 participants on the ship and on the ground include personnel from the United States, Australia, South Korea, Malaysia, Japan, and New Zealand. The hospital ship arrived with more than 900 personnel, including volunteers from non-governmental organizations. In addition, several PP15 events will be led by the United States Coast Guard. All PP15 personnel will work together with the Philippine government and local community on various medical, dental, veterinary and civic action projects.

Now in its tenth iteration, Pacific Partnership is the largest annual multilateral humanitarian assistance and disaster relief preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Asia-Pacific Region. While training for crisis conditions, Pacific Partnership missions have provided medical care to approximately 270,000 patients and veterinary services to more than 38,000 animals. Additionally, the mission has provided critical infrastructure developments to host nations through the completion of more than 180 engineering projects.

“We value the knowledge and best practices we will exchange in the coming weeks and also the friendships we will undoubtedly make,” said Capt. Christopher Engdahl, Pacific Partnership 2015 mission commander. “Preparing for natural disasters before they happen is vital to the stability of the Pacific region. PP15 allows our nations to better prepare now so that we are able to respond and seamlessly integrate during future relief efforts.”

Additional information on the Pacific Partnership mission is available on the U.S. Pacific Fleet Pacific Partnership website at www.cpf.navy.mil/pacific-partnership/2015/.

PHOTO:
USNS Mercy (T-AH-19) is the lead ship of her class of hospital ships in the United States Navy. (wikipedia.org)

https://www.dvidshub.net/news/170326/usns-mercy-arrives-roxas-city-philippines-pacific-partnership#.Va8N5KSqqko

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11 Filipino fishermen rescued by US Navy safe - SBMA

Eleven fishermen were rescued by the US Navy after their fishing vessel capsized 90 miles off the coast of this Freeport.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman Roberto V. Garcia said the fishermen were rescued early Monday morning (July 20) by the crew of the USNS Impeccable while in transit to Subic Bay.

Capt. Robert Wiechert of the USNS Impeccable said in a report that while en route to the port of Subic, they spotted lights and people waving from a floundering small vessel at around 6:00 pm on Sunday.

Despite the prevailing rough waters, the American ship was able to maneuver closer to the capsized vessel four hours after and launched a rescue boat that took in the distressed fishermen. All 11 were brought to the Impeccable and given medical attention, food and clean clothing.

Garcia said that once in the Subic Freeport, the rescued fishermen were attended to by SBMA medical officers who determined that they only sustained minor injuries from the incident.

Garcia thanked the crew of USNS Impeccable and said that the rescued fishermen are safe and had gone back to their families.

The rescued fishers were identified as Fernando R. Rebata; Jay-R A. Encarguez; Daniel B. Canaway; Wilson E. Etak; Jerry T. Oliviero; Armando D. Polo; Rueben M. Lebios; Vergel A. Ecarges; Charlie R. Dumaz; Eddie V. Benveniga; all from Barangay Cato, Infanta, Pangasinan, and Ariel P. Balaquit of Barangay Naulo, Santa Cruz, Zambales.

The USNS Impeccable, an ocean surveillance ship of the U.S. Navy assigned to Military Sealift Command's Special Missions Program, is now docked at the Boton Wharf of the Subic Bay Freeport. (RBB/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTOS:
[1] Local fishermen disembark from the USNS Impeccable at the Boton Wharf after they were rescued by the crew of the USNS Impeccable 90 miles from the coast of Subic, Zambales. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

[2] The SBMA medical and rescue team, along with SBMA Senior Deputy Administrator Randy Escolango (4th from left), attend to the rescued fishermen upon arrival at the Subic Bay Freeport. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

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USS Lassen drops anchor in Subic Bay

The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Lassen (DDG 82) arrived Wednesday (July 1) in Subic Bay for a port visit.

Prior to its arrival here, Lassen's crew of 320 Sailors, including members of the 'Warlords' of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 51, conducted presence patrols in the South China Sea and in waters around the Philippine Islands.

During the port visit, Lassen's crew will have the opportunity to interact with local citizens, experience Philippine culture, give back to the local community through several community relation projects and enjoy the natural splendor of the surrounding land and seascapes.

With all the natural beauty the Philippines has to offer, I am honored and excited to bring Lassen back to Subic Bay,” said Cmdr. Robert Francis, Lassen's commanding officer. “For many of our Sailors, this is a real treat to be coming back to such a beautiful country. I could not ask for a more exciting and culture-rich port to visit.”

U.S. Navy port visits not only improve the quality of life for Sailors, but also play an important role in promoting peace and stability by strengthening relationships between the U.S. and the Philippines.

Lassen, one of seven destroyers assigned to Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, is currently on patrol in the 7th Fleet area of responsibility in support of security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. (USS Lassen Public Affairs)

PHOTO:
The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Lassen. 

http://right.is/military/2015/07/uss-lassen-to-experience-philippine-culture-2526.html

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PCCI urges PNoy to prioritize the expansion of Subic, Batangas ports

The business community hopes President Aquino will finally put to rest the port congestion issue by making a priority the expansion of Subic and Batangas international ports before his term ends next year.

Alfredo M. Yao, President of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, (PCCI) said the resolution of the port congestion at the Manila ports tops its wish list of priority issues that they want President Aquino to make a policy statement during his last State of the Nation Address this month.

“The port operation has improved a lot but sooner or later we will be hounded again by port congestion,” said Yao. Trade volume is expected to pick at the start of the second semester and with the robust economic growth, Yao expects congestion to be back again this year.

The port congestion that hit the Manila port last year has caused considerable damage to businesses in the country and potential economic potentials.

Yao stressed that the port congestion is a vicious cycle that come again and again if it is not addressed.

Yao would like the government to have the will to push for the expansion of the Batangas International Port, which is being operated by the Asian Terminals Inc.

If the capacity of the port is expanded all import and export cargo volume from and into the south should use the Batangas port rather than going to the Manila port and subject themselves to the burgeoning traffic of the city.

Expansion of the Subic ports, where the International Container Terminal Services Inc. has existing operations, need to be further enhanced.

It should be easier though to expand Subic because the Subic Bay Metroplitan Authority, which runs Subic freeport, is a government agency.

Subic port should be the main port for businesses operating in the northern part of Luzon, Yao stressed.

“At present, we are all relying on Manila ports and that is so inefficient,” he added.

“Government should come in and exercise its political will,” said Yao.

Aside from the port congestion issue, the PCCI also hopes the President to push for the enactment into law the long overdue Customs and Tariff Modernization Act among other priority bills pending in Congress. (Bernie Magkilat, Manila Bulletin)

http://www.mb.com.ph/pcci-urges-pnoy-to-prioritize-the-expansion-of-subic-batangas-ports/

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Floating bookstore ‘Logos Hope’ in Subic for 4 weeks

The world’s largest floating bookstore is now docked at the Riviera Wharf in this free port, offering more than 5,000 books from different countries and cultures all over the world for a fraction of their original cover price.

MV Logos Hope opened its doors for public viewing here on Tuesday with Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman Roberto Garcia, Zambales Vice Governor Ramon Lacbain II, Central Luzon Tourism Director Ramon Tiotuico, and Captain Tom Dyer cutting the ceremonial ribbon.

“After more than two years, we welcome again Logos Hope back to our port with full support f​or their ongoing mission of enlightenment, unity and world peace,” Garcia said during the opening program.

He also asked Dyer and the members of the ship’s crew to take time to visit various attractions in the Subic Bay Freeport and the nearby communities “as a way of enlightening yourself about our corner of the world here.”

Logos HR director Andy Juliff, meanwhile, explained how the ship’s program works. “A ship full of people with different nationalities and cultural differences is a recipe for disaster, but here at Logos Hope faith in God is what bring us on board to work together in perfect harmony. It powers our engines safely to help the world,” he added.

Logos volunteers have also lined up events for local residents. On June 12​,​ they will have an International Crew Night at the Harbor Point Mall here to highlight the variety of cultures from all over the globe that they represent.

This will be followed by a Fun Night Café on June 21 and June 28, which will present interesting board games from cultures across the seas.

Meanwhile, local artists will be encouraged to join a painting contest on the themes, “What is Hope?” or “Logos Hope and the Philippines.” Deadline for the submission of entries will be on June 30.

The winner will be presented at the International Night and the painting will be displayed at the Logos Hope International Café.

​As the main attraction of Logos Hope, t​he books being sold at affordable prices cover various topics ranging from science to cooking and cultures, to hobbies and sports, among others.

Visitors can also enjoy a wide range of desserts and pastries, and other gastronomic pleasures at the ship’s International Café.

Logos Hope will stay at the Subic Bay Freeport for four weeks. (ADP/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTOS:

[1] SBMA Chairman Roberto V. Garcia (center), flanked by wife Mari​bi​ and Zambales Vice Gov. Ramon Lacbain II, Central Luzon Tourism Director Ramon Tiotuico (right) and Logos Hope HR director Andy Juliff, cut the ceremonial ribbon as ship captain Tom Dyer looks on during a ceremony to formally open the floating bookstore to the public on Tuesday. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

[2] Logos Hope ship captain Tom Dyer shows SBMA Chairman Roberto V. Garcia (third from right) and other visitors around the floating bookstore during the ceremonial opening on Tuesday at the Riviera Wharf of Subic Bay Freeport. With them are (from left): Mrs. Maribi Garcia, Central Luzon Tourism Director Ramon Tiotuico, Logos Hope HR director Andy Juliff, and Zambales Vice Gov. Ramon Lacbain II. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

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DENR commissions two survey ships in Subic Bay

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) formally commissioned two newly-acquired hydrography ships in a simple ceremony held on Monday (June 1) at the Bravo Wharf in this free port.

The ships, BRP Hydrographer Hizon and BRP Hydrographer Palma, are new modern catamaran-type hydrographic survey vessels for the National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA), an attached agency of the DENR.

Leading the ceremony were DENR Secretary Ramon J.P. Paje, NAMRIA Administrator Peter Tiangco, Hydrography Branch director Comm. Jacinto Cablayan, and Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman Roberto Garcia.

Paje said that the commissioning of the two survey ships will boost the capability of NAMRIA to perform the almost impossible task of gathering the latest and most accurate hydrographic and oceanographic data within Philippine waters from 10 to 3,000 meters deep, especially in ports, harbors and domestic sea lanes.

The data collected, according to Paje, will be used in producing and updating nautical charts, electronic navigational charts and other nautical publications to ensure safety of navigation and aid in natural hazard mitigation and marine scientific research.

“We believe that despite limitation of equipment and resources,
NAMRIA is performing its tasks so well,” he said, adding that the vessels will be significantly helpful in defining the economic sea boundaries of the Philippines.

Named after former directors of the Bureau of Coast and Geodetic Survey, Capt. Andres Hizon and Commodore Cayetano Palma, BRP Hydrographer Hizon and BRP Hydrographer Palma are 23-meter aluminum catamarans​ built by Colorado Shipyard in Cebu in 2013. These were brought to Subic in July 2014.

The ships, classed by the International Registry of Shipping, are complete with updated navigational system, security and safety system, survey systems and instrument and hardware, and hydrographic survey workstations, and have fully-furnished cabins.

“With the two additional mapping vessels, we must start now to map and protect our coastline and waters,” Paje said, noting that some European countries have already claimed parts of the mineral fields in the Pacific Ocean east of the Philippines.

Meanwhile, Garcia expressed full support to the leadership of DENR, saying that Subic “will always be ready to support the programs of NAMRIA in every possible way it can.”

Garcia noted that the Port of Subic is now home to the Philippine Navy’s two newly-acquired warships, the BRP Ramon Alcaraz and BRP Gregorio del Pilar, both Hamilton-class cutters that were acquired from the United States. (RAV/MPD-SBMA)​

PHOTOS:
[1] NAMRIA Hydrography Branch director Comm. Jacinto Cablayan (center) shows DENR Secretary Ramon J.P. Paje (right) and SBMA Chairman Roberto Garcia around the control room of BRP Hydrographer Palma during the commissioning ceremony.

[2] The BRP Hydrographer Palma while docked at the Bravo Wharf in the Subic Bay Freeport.

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Floating bookstore, library docks in Subic Bay

Logos Hope, the largest floating bookstore and library in the world, docked on Monday at the Riviera Pier in Subic Bay for a month-long stay.

MV Logos Hope, which is operated by a Good Books for All, a German Christian charitable organization, brings with her an expanded selection of over 5,000 books covering subjects ranging from science, sports, hobbies and family life, dictionaries, atlases and more.

The volunteer crew and staff numbering 400 people, representing more than 45 different countries, joined the organization and live on board for two years as volunteers.

The ship’s crew will be doing onshore and on-board activities featuring a“big” variety of cultures found across the world.

Special events such the Fun Night Cafe is scheduled on June 21 on-board the ship while the Board Game is on June 28, that will make the visitors enjoy the fellowship of crew members who will demonstrate games popular in the country where the crews came from.

Meanwhile, to celebrate Logos Hope return to Subic Bay, local artists were earlier invited to participate in the drawing contest featuring “what hope is” or Logos Hope and the Philippines. The winners will be announced at the International Night on June 12.

In addition, the Visitor Experience Deck will be available to the public, especially to the newcomers, giving them an opportunity to explore.

From the Welcome Area, the ship will be introduced to the visitors through a short movie and interactive displays which is said to have something for everyone.

The book ship will be opened to public starting June 9 until July 5 from Tuesdays to Saturdays (10 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.) and from 1:30 to 9:30 p.m. during Sundays.

There is an entrance fee of P20 per person, but children under 13 years old and senior citizens 60 years old and above are free. (Philippine News Agency)

PHOTO:
Logos Hope/Photo by Arne List from Kiel, Germany (Logos Hope DSC_6743 Uploaded by Trycatch) [CC BY-SA 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

http://www.mb.com.ph/floating-bookstore-library-docks-in-subic-bay/

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