The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) has issued an advisory directing domestic shipping companies and maritime stakeholders to implement contingency measures on how to face the potential impact of the escalating Middle East crisis on the Philippine maritime industry.
Advisory No. 2026-10 comes amid rising global fuel prices and possible supply disruptions following the shutdown of fuel facilities and disruptions in tanker shipping operations across parts of the Middle East. These developments are expected to affect shipping, logistics, and energy costs worldwide.
MARINA Administrator Sonia Malaluan said the measures are intended to ensure that domestic maritime transport remains stable despite global disruptions.
“MARINA is closely monitoring the evolving situation in the Middle East and its potential effects on global fuel prices and shipping operations. Through these contingency measures, we aim to ensure the continued movement of passengers and essential goods across the country while providing necessary support to the domestic shipping industry during this period of uncertainty,” Malaluan said.
Under the advisory, shipping companies may implement operational adjustments, subject to MARINA approval, including the consolidation or reduction of trips to optimize vessel capacity and fuel consumption. Operators are likewise instructed to prioritize the transport of basic and critical commodities and to issue travel advisories informing passengers of possible schedule changes or trip consolidations.
As part of its regulatory response, MARINA is also considering measures to help cushion the impact of rising fuel costs on shipping operations. These include the possible waiver of the 2026 Annual Tonnage Fee, a 75-percent discount on fees and charges for ship documents and certificates, and the temporary suspension of the implementation of new fees and charges, all subject to approval by the MARINA Board.
During the crisis period, and to ensure continuous sea transport services, shipping operators may implement fuel surcharges or fare adjustments of up to 20 percent of the base fare, while any increase beyond this threshold will remain subject to MARINA’s evaluation. Once the crisis subsides, operators must remove any fuel surcharge and revert to pre-crisis passenger and cargo rates.