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Coordinates: 13°45′16″N 121°02′36″E / 13.75432°N 121.04339°E / 13.75432; 121.04339
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| location = [[Batangas City]]
| location = [[Batangas City]]
| coordinates = {{Coord|13.75432|121.04339|region:PH_type:landmark|format=dms|display=inline,title}}
| coordinates = {{Coord|13.75432|121.04339|region:PH_type:landmark|format=dms|display=inline,title}}
| locode = PHBTG<ref name="Locode-1">{{cite web |title=UNLOCODE (PH) – PHILIPPINES |url=https://service.unece.org/trade/locode/ph.htm |website=service.unece.org |accessdate=April 25, 2020}}</ref>
| locode = PHBTG<ref name="Locode-1">{{Cite web |title=(PH) Philippines |url=https://service.unece.org/trade/locode/ph.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190508162147/https://service.unece.org/trade/locode/ph.htm |archive-date=May 8, 2019 |website=United Nations, Code for Trade and Transport Locations (UN/LOCODE) |accessdate=April 25, 2020}}</ref>
| opened =
| opened =
| operated = [[Philippine Ports Authority]]
| operated = [[Philippine Ports Authority]]
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| piers =
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| arrivals = 32,777 (2015)<ref name=stat2015>{{cite web|title=Philippines Ports Authority (PPA) 2015|url=http://www.ppa.com.ph/?q=content/statistics-1|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161227154829/http://www.ppa.com.ph/?q=content%2Fstatistics-1|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 27, 2016}}</ref>
| arrivals = 32,777 (2015)<ref name="stat2015">{{Cite web |title=Summary on Port Performance, Philippine Ports Authority, January–December 2015 |url=http://www.ppa.com.ph/?q=content/statistics-1 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161227154829/http://www.ppa.com.ph/?q=content%2Fstatistics-1 |archive-date=December 27, 2016 |website=PPA Website}}</ref>
| cargotonnage = 2,374,980 (2015)<ref name=stat2015/>
| cargotonnage = 2,374,980 (2015)<ref name=stat2015/>
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The '''Batangas International Port''' ({{langx|fil|Daungan Pandaigdig ng Batangas}}) or locally known as the '''Batangas Pier''' ({{langx|tl|Pantalan ng Batangas}}) is a [[seaport]] in Barangay Santa Clara, [[Batangas City]] primarily serving the [[Calabarzon|Calabarzon region]] of the Philippines. The seaport covers an area of about 150 hectares.


It was declared as a national port in 1956.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cantos |first=J. R. |date=June 1, 2009 |title=Batangas International Port |url=http://wowbatangas.com/towns-and-cities/batangas-city/batangas-international-port/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203052059/http://wowbatangas.com/towns-and-cities/batangas-city/batangas-international-port/ |archive-date=December 3, 2013 |access-date=December 4, 2013 |website=WOWBatangas.com}}</ref> It serves as an alternate port to the [[Port of Manila]]. In the 1990s, it was the second biggest port in the Philippines in terms of revenue, just behind the Port of Manila.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Ganzon |first=Tina |date=June 27, 2013 |title=Batangas Container Port Is Grossly Underutilized |work=Manilatimes.net |url=http://manilatimes.net/batangas-container-port-is-grossly-underutilized/13646/ |access-date=December 4, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203015814/http://manilatimes.net/batangas-container-port-is-grossly-underutilized/13646/ |archive-date=December 3, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=January 20, 2011 |title=Batangas Port |url=http://www.pdosoluz.com.ph/port-of-batangas-updated.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203014716/http://www.pdosoluz.com.ph/port-of-batangas-updated.html |archive-date=December 3, 2013 |access-date=December 4, 2013 |website=Philippine Ports Authority PDO Southern Luzon}}</ref>
The '''Batangas International Port''' or locally known as the '''Batangas Pier''', is a [[seaport]] in Barangay Santa Clara, [[Batangas City]] primarily serving the [[Calabarzon|Calabarzon region]] of the Philippines. The seaport covers an area of about 150 hectares.

It was declared as a national port in 1956.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://wowbatangas.com/towns-and-cities/batangas-city/batangas-international-port/ |title=Batangas International Port – |publisher=Wowbatangas.com |date=June 1, 2009 |accessdate=December 4, 2013}}</ref> It serves as an alternate port to the [[Port of Manila]]. In the 90's it was the second biggest port in the Philippines in terms of revenue, just behind the Port of Manila.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://manilatimes.net/batangas-container-port-is-grossly-underutilized/13646/ |title=Batangas container port is grossly underutilized &#124; The Manila Times Online |publisher=Manilatimes.net |date=June 27, 2013 |accessdate=December 4, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pdosoluz.com.ph/port-of-batangas-updated.html |title=Batangas Port : Port District of Southern Luzon Official Website |publisher=Pdosoluz.com.ph |date=January 20, 2011 |accessdate=December 4, 2013}}</ref>


==Terminals==
==Terminals==
[[File:BatangasPier80828cg.jpg|thumb|The seaport in 2008.]]
[[File:BatangasPier80828cg.jpg|thumb|The seaport in 2008|250x250px]]


=== Cargo terminal ===
=== Cargo terminal ===
The Batangas Container Terminal (BCT) of the Batangas International Port is operated by listed Asian Terminals Inc. is a major trading port outside [[Metro Manila]] serving major industries in [[Southern Luzon]]. BCT handled over 85,000 [[twenty-foot equivalent unit]]s (TEUs) of international containers from January to July 2016. In 2015 the terminal handled 130,000 TEUs in 2015,<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://thestandard.com.ph/business/213954/batangas-port-now-a-key-trade-enabler.html|title=Batangas Port now a key trade enabler|publisher=Manila Standard|work=Manila Standard Business|date=August 21, 2016|access-date=January 7, 2017}}</ref> 28.9% of its actual capacity of 450,000 TEUs.
The Batangas Container Terminal (BCT) of the Batangas International Port is operated by listed Asian Terminals Inc. is a major trading port outside [[Metro Manila]] serving major industries in [[Southern Luzon]]. BCT handled over 85,000 [[twenty-foot equivalent unit]]s (TEUs) of international containers from January to July 2016. In 2015, the terminal handled 130,000 TEUs in 2015,<ref>{{Cite news |date=August 21, 2016 |title=Batangas Port Now a Key Trade Enabler |work=Manila Standard |url=http://thestandard.com.ph/business/213954/batangas-port-now-a-key-trade-enabler.html |access-date=January 7, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170108002737/http://thestandard.com.ph/business/213954/batangas-port-now-a-key-trade-enabler.html |archive-date=January 8, 2017}}</ref> 28.9% of its actual capacity of 450,000 TEUs.


The Port of Batangas in 2014 was only handling 12,000 TEUs or 2.7% of its actual capacity.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://news.abs-cbn.com/business/07/09/14/shipping-lines-calling-batangas-port-get-discounts|title=Shipping lines calling on Batangas port to get discounts|work=ABS-CBN News|date=July 10, 2014|access-date=January 7, 2017}}</ref> Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) discounts in the port and docking fees at the Batangas Port attracted more foreign and local shipping firms and incentivized them for helping decongest Manila's facilities. In 2016 it was reported that the [[Japan International Cooperation Agency]] (JICA) has proposed to transfer operations of the [[Port of Manila]] to the Batangas International Port, citing the fact that most of the domestic shipping largely comes from South of Manila, saying that ship operating costs would be relatively lower if vessels were docked in Batangas City rather than in Manila.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Cruz|first=Maricel|url=http://thestandard.com.ph/news/-main-stories/top-stories/221293/bicol-lawmaker-presses-traffic-powers-for-rody.html|title=Bicol lawmaker presses traffic powers for Rody|newspaper=Manila Standard|date=November 13, 2016|access-date=January 7, 2017}}</ref>
The Port of Batangas in 2014 was only handling 12,000 TEUs or 2.7% of its actual capacity.<ref>{{Cite news |date=July 10, 2014 |title=Shipping Lines Calling on Batangas Port to Get Discounts |work=ABS-CBN News |url=http://news.abs-cbn.com/business/07/09/14/shipping-lines-calling-batangas-port-get-discounts |access-date=January 7, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170108003231/http://news.abs-cbn.com/business/07/09/14/shipping-lines-calling-batangas-port-get-discounts |archive-date=January 8, 2017}}</ref> Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) discounts in the port and docking fees at the Batangas Port attracted more foreign and local shipping firms and incentivized them for helping decongest Manila's facilities. In 2016 it was reported that the [[Japan International Cooperation Agency]] (JICA) has proposed to transfer operations of the [[Port of Manila]] to the Batangas International Port, citing the fact that most of the domestic shipping largely comes from South of Manila, saying that ship operating costs would be relatively lower if vessels were docked in Batangas City rather than in Manila.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Cruz |first=Maricel |date=November 13, 2016 |title=Bicol Lawmaker Presses Traffic Powers for Rody |work=Manila Standard |url=http://thestandard.com.ph/news/-main-stories/top-stories/221293/bicol-lawmaker-presses-traffic-powers-for-rody.html |access-date=January 7, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170108002834/http://thestandard.com.ph/news/-main-stories/top-stories/221293/bicol-lawmaker-presses-traffic-powers-for-rody.html |archive-date=January 8, 2017}}</ref>


Other competing ports such as the [[Port of Subic]] Bay are also providing container storage services to ease congestion at the Manila ports. In August 2014, PPA reported an 85%–89% yard utilization for the MICT and Manila South Harbor.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.investphilippines.info/arangkada/batangas-port-users-get-perks/|title=Batangas Port Users Get Perks|website=Arangkada Philippines|date=August 19, 2014|access-date=January 7, 2017}}</ref>
Other competing ports such as the [[Port of Subic]] Bay are also providing container storage services to ease congestion at the Manila ports. In August 2014, PPA reported an 85%–89% yard utilization for the MICT and Manila South Harbor.<ref>{{Cite web |date=August 19, 2014 |title=Batangas Port Users Get Perks |url=http://www.investphilippines.info/arangkada/batangas-port-users-get-perks/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170108094931/http://www.investphilippines.info/arangkada/batangas-port-users-get-perks/ |archive-date=January 8, 2017 |access-date=January 7, 2017 |website=Arangkada Philippines}}</ref>


=== Passenger terminal===
=== Passenger terminal===
[[File:Batangas Port, April 2023.jpg|thumb|The Integrated Passenger Terminal in 2023]]
The Batangas port is also a gateway for passengers, Roro/ferry (terminal 2) and tourist traffic. There are 3 passenger terminals located inside the port, after the toll entrance. The presence of a population of hustlers, tourist guides, and pushy unofficial port authority "helpers" targeting tourists can be a problem especially for foreign visitors who are not familiar with the organization of the terminal. The boats have tendency not to leave on time, and the poor reputation of the passenger terminal is in serious need of improvement. Some Roro ferry services also seem to consistently fail meeting maritime safety standards due to minimum ship maintenance, and chronic overload.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Evora|first=Robert|url=http://www.thestandard.com.ph/news/-provinces/220289/plaints-rise-vs-abuses-in-batangas-city-port.html|title=Plaints rise vs abuses in Batangas City port|newspaper=Manila Standard|date=November 1, 2016|access-date=January 7, 2017}}</ref>
[[File:PhotoofBIP.jpg|thumb|Inside the Integrated Passenger Terminal]]

The Batangas port is also a gateway for passengers, Roro/ferry (terminal 2) and tourist traffic. There are 3 passenger terminals located inside the port, after the toll entrance. The presence of a population of hustlers, tourist guides, and pushy unofficial port authority "helpers" targeting tourists can be a problem especially for foreign visitors who are not familiar with the organization of the terminal. The boats have tendency not to leave on time, and the poor reputation of the passenger terminal is in serious need of improvement. Some Roro ferry services also seem to consistently fail meeting maritime safety standards due to minimum ship maintenance, and chronic overload.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Evora |first=Robert A. |date=November 1, 2016 |title=Plaints Rise vs Abuses in Batangas City Port |work=Manila Standard |url=http://www.thestandard.com.ph/news/-provinces/220289/plaints-rise-vs-abuses-in-batangas-city-port.html |access-date=January 7, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170108002445/http://www.thestandard.com.ph/news/-provinces/220289/plaints-rise-vs-abuses-in-batangas-city-port.html |archive-date=January 8, 2017}}</ref>
On passenger terminal 3, ferry tickets for [[Puerto Galera]], a popular tourist destination, can be purchased directly on arrival next to the piers to Sabang, Whitebeach, Muelle and Balatero. This city is situated approximately 01:15-hour away from Batangas port on the north tip of Mindoro island across the Verde island passage from Luzon (the main island where Manila is situated). Before boarding, passengers also need to a pay in cash a variety of local taxes such as an environmental user fee and terminal fee. [[Puerto Galera]] is accessible through regular ferry lines operating 60 to 120 passenger outrigger ferries i.e. traditional big "bangka", including FSL or Father and Son Shipping Lines and MSL, Minolo Shipping Lines, Challenge and Passion Shipping Lines.<ref name="puertogalera.org">{{Cite web|url=http://www.puertogalera.org/getting-here/public-transport/|title=Public Transport {{!}} Puerto Galera Online Services|website=www.puertogalera.org|access-date=January 7, 2017}}</ref>
On passenger terminal 3, ferry tickets for [[Puerto Galera]], a popular tourist destination, can be purchased directly on arrival next to the piers to Sabang, Whitebeach, Muelle and Balatero. This city is situated approximately 75 minutes away from Batangas port on the north tip of Mindoro island across the Verde Island passage from Luzon. Before boarding, passengers also need to a pay in cash a variety of local taxes such as an environmental user fee and terminal fee. [[Puerto Galera]] is accessible through regular ferry lines operating 60 to 120 passenger outrigger ferries i.e. traditional big "bangka", including FSL or Father and Son Shipping Lines and MSL, Minolo Shipping Lines, Challenge and Passion Shipping Lines.<ref name="puertogalera.org">{{Cite web |title=Public Transport |url=http://www.puertogalera.org/getting-here/public-transport/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170108003814/http://www.puertogalera.org/getting-here/public-transport/ |archive-date=January 8, 2017 |access-date=January 7, 2017 |website=Puerto Galera Online Services}}</ref>


Other passenger regular lines include access by ferry to :
Other passenger regular lines include access by ferry to :
* the [[Sibuyan Island]] (Romblon province) from Batangas to the port of Romblon and then Cajidiocan, or with a transfer in Romblon to Azagra, Magdiwang/Ambulong. The journey from Batangas to Romblon needs the whole night.
* the [[Sibuyan Island]] (Romblon province) from Batangas to the port of Romblon and then Cajidiocan, or with a transfer in Romblon to Azagra, Magdiwang/Ambulong. The journey from Batangas to Romblon needs the whole night.
* Calapan (Oriental Mindoro province) by fast catamaran Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) ferries.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://fastcat.com.ph/archipelago-routes.html|title=FASTCAT – ROUTES|website=fastcat.com.ph|access-date=January 7, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170108093523/http://fastcat.com.ph/archipelago-routes.html|archive-date=January 8, 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref> The route is very much saturated.{{citation needed|date=October 2019}}
* Calapan (Oriental Mindoro province) by fast catamaran Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) ferries.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Routes |url=http://fastcat.com.ph/archipelago-routes.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170108093523/http://fastcat.com.ph/archipelago-routes.html |archive-date=January 8, 2017 |access-date=January 7, 2017 |website=Fastcat}}</ref> The route is very much saturated.{{citation needed|date=October 2019}}
*Abra de Ilog (Occidental Mindoro province) by regular RoRo.
*Abra de Ilog (Occidental Mindoro province) by regular RoRo.
* Caticlan (Boracay) in Aklan by fast catamaran Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) ferries.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.thestandard.com.ph/news/-provinces/111442/fast-cats-to-lead-ro-ro-race.html|title=Fast Cat to lead Roro race – Manila Standard|newspaper=Manila Standard|access-date=January 7, 2017}}</ref>
* Caticlan (Boracay) in Aklan by fast catamaran Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) ferries.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Evora |first=Robert A. |date=July 15, 2013 |title=Fast Cat to Lead Ro-Ro Race |work=Manila Standard |url=http://www.thestandard.com.ph/news/-provinces/111442/fast-cats-to-lead-ro-ro-race.html |access-date=January 7, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170108002406/http://www.thestandard.com.ph/news/-provinces/111442/fast-cats-to-lead-ro-ro-race.html |archive-date=January 8, 2017}}</ref>

====Batangas Port Passenger Terminal Building====
On April 26, 2024, President [[Bongbong Marcos]] inaugurated the new {{convert|1.5|ha|adj=on}} Batangas Pier [[Maritime passenger terminal|passenger terminal]]. As the “biggest, busiest and most modern passenger building", it can now accommodate 8,000 passengers, from its previous capacity of 2,500 daily, thereby increasing annual passenger capacity from 4 to 12.8 million. [[Philippine Ports Authority]] General Manager Jay Daniel Santiago said that the terminal connects mainland Luzon to [[Mimaropa]] to Iloilo, Negros, Cebu, and Mindanao via [[high-speed craft]], ferries, and [[Roll-on/roll-off]] ships.<ref name="bbm">{{cite news |last1=Cervantes |first1= Filane Mikee |title=PBBM cites Batangas port's importance in economic transformation|url=https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1223522 |accessdate=April 26, 2024 |publisher=[[Philippine News Agency]] |date=April 26, 2024}}</ref>


==Administration==
==Administration==
The Batangas port is under the management of [[Philippine Ports Authority]] (PPA), the port administration in the Philippines, created in 1975 and attached to what is now the [[Department of Transportation (Philippines)|Department of Transportation]] (DOTr) for policy and program coordination. Port administration was merged with the traditional function of revenue collection of the [[Bureau of Customs]] (BOC). PPA is also vested with the function of undertaking all port construction projects under its port system.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.ppa.com.ph/?q=content/our-history|title=Our History|website=PPA Website|access-date=January 8, 2017}}</ref>
The Batangas port is under the management of [[Philippine Ports Authority]] (PPA), the port administration in the Philippines, created in 1975 and attached to what is now the [[Department of Transportation (Philippines)|Department of Transportation]] (DOTr) for policy and program coordination. Port administration was merged with the traditional function of revenue collection of the [[Bureau of Customs]] (BOC). PPA is also vested with the function of undertaking all port construction projects under its port system.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Our History |url=http://www.ppa.com.ph/?q=content/our-history |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161227094348/http://www.ppa.com.ph/?q=content%2Four-history |archive-date=December 27, 2016 |access-date=January 8, 2017 |website=PPA Website}}</ref>


The port falls within the administrative jurisdiction of the Customs Collection District of Batangas or Collection District IV, an area defined by the BOC which comprises the province of [[Aurora (province)|Aurora]], [[Batangas]], [[Quezon]], [[Marinduque]], [[Oriental Mindoro|Oriental]] and [[Occidental Mindoro]], [[Palawan]]. [[Batangas City]] which hosts the port is defined by the customs as the district's principal port of entry while the sub-ports of entry are designated as [[Puerto Princesa]] in Palawan and [[Plaridel, Quezon|Plaridel]], Quezon and Aurora.<ref>{{cite web|title=Customs Administrative Order No. 04-2004|url=http://customs.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/cao-04-2014-Amendment-of-CAO-No.-010-76-to-Re-define-the-Administrative-Jurisdiction-of-the-Customs-Collection-District-of-Batangas-Collection-District-IV-by-including-the-Sub-Port-of-Aurora.pdf|publisher=Bureau of Customs|accessdate=January 7, 2017|date=July 22, 2014}}</ref>
The port falls within the administrative jurisdiction of the Customs Collection District of Batangas or Collection District IV, an area defined by the BOC which comprises the province of [[Aurora (province)|Aurora]], [[Batangas]], [[Quezon]], [[Marinduque]], [[Oriental Mindoro|Oriental]], [[Occidental Mindoro]], and [[Palawan]]. [[Batangas City]], which hosts the port, is defined by the customs as the district's principal port of entry while the sub-ports of entry are designated as [[Puerto Princesa]] in Palawan and [[Plaridel, Quezon|Plaridel]], Quezon and Aurora.<ref>{{Citation |last=Bureau of Customs |title=Customs Administrative Order No. 04-2004 |date=July 22, 2014 |url=http://customs.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/cao-04-2014-Amendment-of-CAO-No.-010-76-to-Re-define-the-Administrative-Jurisdiction-of-the-Customs-Collection-District-of-Batangas-Collection-District-IV-by-including-the-Sub-Port-of-Aurora.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006084251/http://customs.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/cao-04-2014-Amendment-of-CAO-No.-010-76-to-Re-define-the-Administrative-Jurisdiction-of-the-Customs-Collection-District-of-Batangas-Collection-District-IV-by-including-the-Sub-Port-of-Aurora.pdf |access-date=January 7, 2017 |archive-date=October 6, 2014 |mode=cs1 |url-status=live}}</ref>


== Expansion and development issues ==
== Expansion and development issues ==
In March 2016, Operator Asian Terminals Inc. announce plans to invest {{Philippine peso|3.8 billion}} primarily to improve port operations in the Batangas port, as well as the [[Port of Manila]]. The plan involves increasing the capacity of the port which is projected to accommodate more domestic passengers and international container cargoes.<ref name=ati3.8b>{{cite news|last1=Austria|first1=Jenniffer|title=ATI investing P3.8b in Manila, Batangas|url=http://thestandard.com.ph/business/201249/ati-investing-p3-8b-in-manila-batangas.html|accessdate=January 7, 2017|publisher=Manila Bulletin|date=March 8, 2016}}</ref>
In March 2016, Operator Asian Terminals Inc. announce plans to invest {{Philippine peso|3.8 billion|link=yes}} primarily to improve port operations in the Batangas port, as well as the [[Port of Manila]]. The plan involves increasing the capacity of the port which is projected to accommodate more domestic passengers and international container cargoes.<ref name="ati3.8b">{{Cite news |last=Austria |first=Jenniffer B. |date=March 8, 2016 |title=ATI Investing P3.8b in Manila, Batangas |work=Manila Bulletin |url=http://thestandard.com.ph/business/201249/ati-investing-p3-8b-in-manila-batangas.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170108002735/http://thestandard.com.ph/business/201249/ati-investing-p3-8b-in-manila-batangas.html |archive-date=January 8, 2017 |accessdate=January 7, 2017}}</ref>

The port of Batangas can improve its attractiveness in providing competitively-priced electricity or energy to investors and in offering higher quality maritime services. Regulations and ease-of-doing-business policies and standard operating procedures can be improved significantly.{{citation needed|date=January 2017}}


The size of interior roads connecting the port leads to congestion that renders highways and expressways far less effective. The idea that the connection of the port to the [[Southern Tagalog Arterial Road]] (STAR Tollway) and [[South Luzon Expressway]] (SLEX) without passing through the [[Batangas City]] proper was since completed when STAR Tollway became connected with SLEX since December 2010. In addition, the revival or construction of a railway system connecting the Port of Batangas to [[Metro Manila]] would certainly accelerate its development.{{citation needed|date=January 2017}}
The port of Batangas can improve its attractiveness in providing competitively-priced electricity or energy to investors and in offering higher quality maritime services. Regulations and ease-of-doing-business policies and standard operating procedures can be improved significantly.{{citation needed|date=January 2017}}


These topics are regularly debated at the provincial level, particularly during Batangas gubernatorial elections.<ref>{{Cite news |date=March 31, 2016 |title=Election 2016: Agenda of the Batangas Governor |work=Inquirer.net |url=http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/777045/election-2016-agenda-of-the-batangas-governor |access-date=January 7, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160627005212/http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/777045/election-2016-agenda-of-the-batangas-governor |archive-date=June 27, 2016}}</ref>
The size of interior roads connecting the port leads to congestion that renders highways and expressways far less effective. The idea that the connection of the port to the [[Southern Tagalog Arterial Road]] (STAR Tollway) and [[South Luzon Expressway]] (SLEx) without passing through the [[Batangas City]] proper would be needed to materalize; it was since completed when STAR Tollway is now connected with SLEX since December 2010. In addition, the construction of a railway system connecting the Port of Batangas to metro [[Manila]] would certainly accelerate its development.{{citation needed|date=January 2017}}


These topics are regularly debated at the provincial level in particular during the Batangas governor election.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/777045/election-2016-agenda-of-the-batangas-governor|title=Election 2016: Agenda of the Batangas governor|last=Inquirer|first=Inquirer Southern Luzon, Philippine Daily|website=newsinfo.inquirer.net|access-date=January 7, 2017}}</ref>
On April 26, 2024, President [[Bongbong Marcos]] launched the port's expansion project during the Integrated Passenger Terminal building's inauguration.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1934137/marcos-launches-port-of-batangas-expansion-project|title=Marcos launches Port of Batangas expansion project|first=Julie M.|last=Aurelio|date=April 27, 2024|accessdate=April 27, 2024|publisher=Philippine Daily Inquirer}}</ref>


==See also==
==See also==

Latest revision as of 18:50, 10 November 2024

Batangas International Port
Map
Click on the map for a fullscreen view
Location
CountryPhilippines
LocationBatangas City
Coordinates13°45′16″N 121°02′36″E / 13.75432°N 121.04339°E / 13.75432; 121.04339
UN/LOCODEPHBTG[1]
Details
Operated byPhilippine Ports Authority
Type of harbourPassenger and cargo
Land area150 hectares (1,500,000 m2)
Statistics
Vessel arrivals32,777 (2015)[2]
Annual cargo tonnage2,374,980 (2015)[2]
Passenger traffic6,346,303 (2015)[2]

The Batangas International Port (Filipino: Daungan Pandaigdig ng Batangas) or locally known as the Batangas Pier (Tagalog: Pantalan ng Batangas) is a seaport in Barangay Santa Clara, Batangas City primarily serving the Calabarzon region of the Philippines. The seaport covers an area of about 150 hectares.

It was declared as a national port in 1956.[3] It serves as an alternate port to the Port of Manila. In the 1990s, it was the second biggest port in the Philippines in terms of revenue, just behind the Port of Manila.[4][5]

Terminals

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The seaport in 2008

Cargo terminal

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The Batangas Container Terminal (BCT) of the Batangas International Port is operated by listed Asian Terminals Inc. is a major trading port outside Metro Manila serving major industries in Southern Luzon. BCT handled over 85,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) of international containers from January to July 2016. In 2015, the terminal handled 130,000 TEUs in 2015,[6] 28.9% of its actual capacity of 450,000 TEUs.

The Port of Batangas in 2014 was only handling 12,000 TEUs or 2.7% of its actual capacity.[7] Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) discounts in the port and docking fees at the Batangas Port attracted more foreign and local shipping firms and incentivized them for helping decongest Manila's facilities. In 2016 it was reported that the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has proposed to transfer operations of the Port of Manila to the Batangas International Port, citing the fact that most of the domestic shipping largely comes from South of Manila, saying that ship operating costs would be relatively lower if vessels were docked in Batangas City rather than in Manila.[8]

Other competing ports such as the Port of Subic Bay are also providing container storage services to ease congestion at the Manila ports. In August 2014, PPA reported an 85%–89% yard utilization for the MICT and Manila South Harbor.[9]

Passenger terminal

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The Integrated Passenger Terminal in 2023
Inside the Integrated Passenger Terminal

The Batangas port is also a gateway for passengers, Roro/ferry (terminal 2) and tourist traffic. There are 3 passenger terminals located inside the port, after the toll entrance. The presence of a population of hustlers, tourist guides, and pushy unofficial port authority "helpers" targeting tourists can be a problem especially for foreign visitors who are not familiar with the organization of the terminal. The boats have tendency not to leave on time, and the poor reputation of the passenger terminal is in serious need of improvement. Some Roro ferry services also seem to consistently fail meeting maritime safety standards due to minimum ship maintenance, and chronic overload.[10] On passenger terminal 3, ferry tickets for Puerto Galera, a popular tourist destination, can be purchased directly on arrival next to the piers to Sabang, Whitebeach, Muelle and Balatero. This city is situated approximately 75 minutes away from Batangas port on the north tip of Mindoro island across the Verde Island passage from Luzon. Before boarding, passengers also need to a pay in cash a variety of local taxes such as an environmental user fee and terminal fee. Puerto Galera is accessible through regular ferry lines operating 60 to 120 passenger outrigger ferries i.e. traditional big "bangka", including FSL or Father and Son Shipping Lines and MSL, Minolo Shipping Lines, Challenge and Passion Shipping Lines.[11]

Other passenger regular lines include access by ferry to :

  • the Sibuyan Island (Romblon province) from Batangas to the port of Romblon and then Cajidiocan, or with a transfer in Romblon to Azagra, Magdiwang/Ambulong. The journey from Batangas to Romblon needs the whole night.
  • Calapan (Oriental Mindoro province) by fast catamaran Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) ferries.[12] The route is very much saturated.[citation needed]
  • Abra de Ilog (Occidental Mindoro province) by regular RoRo.
  • Caticlan (Boracay) in Aklan by fast catamaran Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) ferries.[13]

Batangas Port Passenger Terminal Building

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On April 26, 2024, President Bongbong Marcos inaugurated the new 1.5-hectare (3.7-acre) Batangas Pier passenger terminal. As the “biggest, busiest and most modern passenger building", it can now accommodate 8,000 passengers, from its previous capacity of 2,500 daily, thereby increasing annual passenger capacity from 4 to 12.8 million. Philippine Ports Authority General Manager Jay Daniel Santiago said that the terminal connects mainland Luzon to Mimaropa to Iloilo, Negros, Cebu, and Mindanao via high-speed craft, ferries, and Roll-on/roll-off ships.[14]

Administration

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The Batangas port is under the management of Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), the port administration in the Philippines, created in 1975 and attached to what is now the Department of Transportation (DOTr) for policy and program coordination. Port administration was merged with the traditional function of revenue collection of the Bureau of Customs (BOC). PPA is also vested with the function of undertaking all port construction projects under its port system.[15]

The port falls within the administrative jurisdiction of the Customs Collection District of Batangas or Collection District IV, an area defined by the BOC which comprises the province of Aurora, Batangas, Quezon, Marinduque, Oriental, Occidental Mindoro, and Palawan. Batangas City, which hosts the port, is defined by the customs as the district's principal port of entry while the sub-ports of entry are designated as Puerto Princesa in Palawan and Plaridel, Quezon and Aurora.[16]

Expansion and development issues

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In March 2016, Operator Asian Terminals Inc. announce plans to invest 3.8 billion primarily to improve port operations in the Batangas port, as well as the Port of Manila. The plan involves increasing the capacity of the port which is projected to accommodate more domestic passengers and international container cargoes.[17]

The port of Batangas can improve its attractiveness in providing competitively-priced electricity or energy to investors and in offering higher quality maritime services. Regulations and ease-of-doing-business policies and standard operating procedures can be improved significantly.[citation needed]

The size of interior roads connecting the port leads to congestion that renders highways and expressways far less effective. The idea that the connection of the port to the Southern Tagalog Arterial Road (STAR Tollway) and South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) without passing through the Batangas City proper was since completed when STAR Tollway became connected with SLEX since December 2010. In addition, the revival or construction of a railway system connecting the Port of Batangas to Metro Manila would certainly accelerate its development.[citation needed]

These topics are regularly debated at the provincial level, particularly during Batangas gubernatorial elections.[18]

On April 26, 2024, President Bongbong Marcos launched the port's expansion project during the Integrated Passenger Terminal building's inauguration.[19]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "(PH) Philippines". United Nations, Code for Trade and Transport Locations (UN/LOCODE). Archived from the original on May 8, 2019. Retrieved April 25, 2020.
  2. ^ a b c "Summary on Port Performance, Philippine Ports Authority, January–December 2015". PPA Website. Archived from the original on December 27, 2016.
  3. ^ Cantos, J. R. (June 1, 2009). "Batangas International Port". WOWBatangas.com. Archived from the original on December 3, 2013. Retrieved December 4, 2013.
  4. ^ Ganzon, Tina (June 27, 2013). "Batangas Container Port Is Grossly Underutilized". Manilatimes.net. Archived from the original on December 3, 2013. Retrieved December 4, 2013.
  5. ^ "Batangas Port". Philippine Ports Authority PDO Southern Luzon. January 20, 2011. Archived from the original on December 3, 2013. Retrieved December 4, 2013.
  6. ^ "Batangas Port Now a Key Trade Enabler". Manila Standard. August 21, 2016. Archived from the original on January 8, 2017. Retrieved January 7, 2017.
  7. ^ "Shipping Lines Calling on Batangas Port to Get Discounts". ABS-CBN News. July 10, 2014. Archived from the original on January 8, 2017. Retrieved January 7, 2017.
  8. ^ Cruz, Maricel (November 13, 2016). "Bicol Lawmaker Presses Traffic Powers for Rody". Manila Standard. Archived from the original on January 8, 2017. Retrieved January 7, 2017.
  9. ^ "Batangas Port Users Get Perks". Arangkada Philippines. August 19, 2014. Archived from the original on January 8, 2017. Retrieved January 7, 2017.
  10. ^ Evora, Robert A. (November 1, 2016). "Plaints Rise vs Abuses in Batangas City Port". Manila Standard. Archived from the original on January 8, 2017. Retrieved January 7, 2017.
  11. ^ "Public Transport". Puerto Galera Online Services. Archived from the original on January 8, 2017. Retrieved January 7, 2017.
  12. ^ "Routes". Fastcat. Archived from the original on January 8, 2017. Retrieved January 7, 2017.
  13. ^ Evora, Robert A. (July 15, 2013). "Fast Cat to Lead Ro-Ro Race". Manila Standard. Archived from the original on January 8, 2017. Retrieved January 7, 2017.
  14. ^ Cervantes, Filane Mikee (April 26, 2024). "PBBM cites Batangas port's importance in economic transformation". Philippine News Agency. Retrieved April 26, 2024.
  15. ^ "Our History". PPA Website. Archived from the original on December 27, 2016. Retrieved January 8, 2017.
  16. ^ Bureau of Customs (July 22, 2014). Customs Administrative Order No. 04-2004 (PDF). Archived (PDF) from the original on October 6, 2014. Retrieved January 7, 2017.
  17. ^ Austria, Jenniffer B. (March 8, 2016). "ATI Investing P3.8b in Manila, Batangas". Manila Bulletin. Archived from the original on January 8, 2017. Retrieved January 7, 2017.
  18. ^ "Election 2016: Agenda of the Batangas Governor". Inquirer.net. March 31, 2016. Archived from the original on June 27, 2016. Retrieved January 7, 2017.
  19. ^ Aurelio, Julie M. (April 27, 2024). "Marcos launches Port of Batangas expansion project". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved April 27, 2024.