PORT GUIDE · FOR OFFICERS, MASTERS AND SHORE TEAMS
Batangas
Pilot
updated Nov 2024- Batangas pilot boarding place Pilot boards13°53.9′N 120°47.1′E
Compulsory for all vessels engaged in foreign trade. The Batangas Harbour Pilot's Association must be advised of the vessel's ETA or her scheduled movements 48, 24, and 12 hours prior to arrival. Notice to be given 48hrs advance notice to their local agents to permit the dispatch of a pilot.
A tug is used as a Pilot Vessel when necessary. Batangas Pilotage is provided for Balayan Bay, Mainaga and Tabangao, Luzon. Masters are required to to give advance notice to advise their agents of their tug requirements.
Key data
updated Feb 2025Size limits
Max Harbour: LOA 300m, beam 46.40m, draught 15.7m and 115,643DWT.
Max Offshore: LOA 348m, BCM 170.61m, draught 22.0m and 320,785DWT.
Water density
1025.
Load line zone
China Sea Seasonal Tropical Area, Tropical 21 Jan to Apr 30, Summer May 1 to Jan 20.
Tides
Range varies between 2.7m to 7.5m. The current sets parallel to the shore with the flood current setting SE whilst the ebb current setting NW. It is worth noting that the rate is fairly weak.
Max draft per terminal
| Terminal | Max draught | Max LOA | Berths |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shell Tabangoa Terminal (Malampaya Natural Gas) | 22.00 m | 348 m | 4 |
| Chevron Terminal | 21.30 m | 341 m | 6 |
| JG Summit Petrochemical Terminal | 15.70 m | 256 m | 3 |
| Bauan Terminal | 13.40 m | 183 m | 1 |
| Batangas Container Terminal | 12.20 m | 277 m | 2 |
| Batangas Bay Terminal | 12.20 m | 213 m | 1 |
| Himmel Industries Inc. | 12.00 m | 187 m | 1 |
| Pinamucan Bulk Chemical Terminal | 11.50 m | 215 m | 1 |
| San Miguel Pure Foods | 11.20 m | 300 m | 3 |
| PNOC Energy Supply Base | 11.00 m | 190 m | 3 |
| Port of Bauan | 10.00 m | 76 m | 6 |
| Santa Rita Power Plant and Santa Rita Project | 9.90 m | 293 m | 1 |
| AG&P Philippines LNG (PHLNG) Import Terminal | 9.80 m | 299 m | 1 |
| Batangas Port | 9.70 m | 200 m | 23 |
| Bauan International Port | 9.30 m | 200 m | 1 |
All 27 terminals
| Terminal | Max draught | Max LOA | Berths |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seaoil Petroluem Terminal | 9.00 m | 187 m | 1 |
| Holcim Philippines Inc - Mabini | 7.60 m | 245 m | 1 |
| APO Cement Terminal | 6.20 m | 138 m | 1 |
| EEI Terminal | 5.40 m | 120 m | 1 |
| MG8 Terminal Port Facility | 4.00 m | 84 m | 2 |
| Karga Container Terminal Services Inc. | 3.80 m | 110 m | 3 |
| San Miguel Mills, Inc. | 3.00 m | 158 m | 3 |
| Keppel Batanagas Shipyard | — | — | 5 |
| Landoor Pier | — | — | 1 |
| Mabini | — | 172 m | 1 |
| Mabini Batangas Premier Terminal Inc | — | 92 m | 1 |
| Global Marine Systems (Bauan) | — | — | 1 |
Deepest first. The draught is the largest any of the terminal's berths states; a dash means the source gives none.
Approach
updated Nov 2024Approach
Vessels from the W may pass either N or S of Maricaban Island. It is worth noting that the S route is recommended and vessels are required to pass approx 2nm S of Maricaban Island and round Malajibomanoc Island at a distance of 1nm.
Vessels from the E may use either the N pass or S pass of the Verde Island Passage. Once passed Verde Island, vessels are required to transit the mid-channel between Malajibomanoc Island and Matoc Point to then proceed to the bay.
It is noted that there are no dangers on the approach to the port or in the vicinity of the anchorages off the pier by Santa Clara. The bar of the Columpan River is approx 0.15m wide and shallow.
Port limits
Port of Batangas comprises all the waters of Batangas Bay from Casador Point with a line drawn up to Matoco Point.
Restrictions
A restricted zone in which no anchoring or fishing is allowed in an area on the East side of Batangas Bay in the location of the Malampaya Gas Pipeline and approx 1nm off the Shell Refinery. An additional restricted area lies 0.3nm off the wharves.
Vessels in transit in the bay are required to maintain a good lookout for small craft and fish traps when navigating the bay at night.
Tugs
Available from Malayan Towage and Pacific Towage.
Mooring
Night berthing/unberthing is possible.
Charts and publications
BA 3558, local chart NAMRIA 4256, Admiralty Pilot NP33, NP286(4).
Reporting before arrival
updated Nov 2024Documents
During clearance, vessel's representative submits outward manifests stamped cleared by PPA after payment of the corresponding port charges.
Health
Health regulations are issued by Bureau of Quarantine. Quarantine officials will normally board the vessel with the pilot. Pratique clearance may be granted locally.
Customs and immigration
A customs office is located within the port area, customs clearance may be granted locally. Customs and Immigration officials will board the vessel either at anchor or prior to berthing and are provided by the Manila Customs Bureau.
Flags
Courtesy and national flag to be flown.
Notices and regulations
Vessels entering should proceed to Santa Clara anchorage for port formalities before being berthed at the pier.
Inspections
Port State Control here: Tokyo MOU.
Running now: the Paris and Tokyo MOU concentrated inspection campaign on cargo securing, 1 September to 30 November 2026. Its questions are published: the questionnaire.
ISPS
ISPS Designated Authority: Office for Transportation Security - DOTC
Address: The Columbia Tower, Ortigas Avenue, Mandaluyong City, Manila, Philippines.
Fax: +63 2 725 4787
For further ISPS information see IMO website http://www.imo.org
Port services
updated Nov 2024Repairs
Repairs may be carried out at SL Marlveles Drydocking & Shipyard and Keppel Batangas Shipyard. Keppel Batangas Shipyard provides ship repair, conversion, shipbuilding and offshore fabrication. They are able to provide major works to a range of vessels including; bulk, containers, barges, dredgers, offshore support vessel and gas tankers. The facility is able to perform projects including those that convert a general cargo vessel to a container vessel and a bulk vessel into a double hull tanker. The shipyard covers an area large enough to facilitate eight onshore berths.
Bunkers, water and stores
Fresh water: Available.
Bunkering: Available by Petrophil, Shell and Chevron Phils Inc.
Medical
Nearest hospital: Golden Gate Batangas Hospital (2.2km), Batangas Medical Center (2.95km), Jesus of Nazareth Hospital (3.85km) and Bauan General Hospital (5.1km).
Transport
Nearest airport: Ninoy Aquino International Airport (83.4km).
Nearest highway: The port has direct access to Expressway 2 (E2).
Nearest public transport: Bus routes throughout Batangas.
Working hours
Normally 0800-1700hrs but shifts are worked throughout 24 hours.
About Batangas
updated Nov 2024Where it is
Batangas is located in the S of Luzon Island, opposite the N shore of Mindoro Island, 120km S of Manila, Philippines.
The port
The Port of Batangas is a vital maritime hub located within a deep bay that offers excellent anchorage for vessels navigating its waters. While the port provides a safe haven, it is important to note that vessels may be exposed to S'ly weather conditions, which can influence operations. The port is equipped with comprehensive facilities that cater to a diverse range of maritime traffic, including passenger and Ro-Ro vessels, general cargo ships, and tankers.
At the Port of Batangas, both domestic rolling cargoes and international shipments are handled, encompassing bulk and break bulk cargoes.
Looking ahead, the Port of Batangas is set to undergo significant expansion with plans from International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI) for a new container terminal. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2025, with the first berth expected to be completed by 2027. This project will feature 900 meters of quay facilities and will be equipped with at least eight gantry cranes, positioning the port to handle a capacity of 2 million TEUs annually.
Traffic
Approx 24,000,000t of cargo, 300,000TEU, 38,000 vessels and 6,000,000 passengers handled annually.
Questions about Batangas
Where does the pilot board at Batangas?
The pilot boards at Batangas pilot boarding place, 13°53.9′N 120°47.1′E.
What time zone is Batangas in?
Local time at Batangas is UTC+8. No summer time.
What is the maximum draft at Batangas?
The deepest berth listed is at Shell Tabangoa Terminal (Malampaya Natural Gas): 22.00 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.
What is the water density at Batangas?
1025.
Which load line zone is Batangas in?
China Sea Seasonal Tropical Area, Tropical 21 Jan to Apr 30, Summer May 1 to Jan 20.
Who carries out Port State Control at Batangas?
Port State Control at Batangas: Tokyo MOU.
What is the UN/LOCODE of Batangas?
The UN/LOCODE of Batangas is PHBTG.
Tips from seafarers
What crews who called at Batangas say: pilot boarding, the agent's papers, inspections, shore leave. Each tip is shown with the writer's rank and ship type, and an AI summary sits on top once there are three or more.
A planning aid, not for navigation. These facts come from public sources and each section shows how old it is. Check with the port, your agent, your ENCs and official publications. Spotted something wrong? Tell us on the feedback board.