Major Expansion at Manila South Harbor Boosts Cargo Capacity

August 2025

A landmark upgrade at Manila South Harbor (MSH) is transforming logistics in Metro Manila. In a $100 million project led by DP World and Asian Terminals Inc., MSH’s pier extension, yard expansion, and installation of two massive neo-post-panamax ship‑to‑shore cranes.
These upgrades are easing congestion at Manila’s busiest trade gateway, empowering freight forwarders to streamline service delivery and reduce vessel waiting times.

Freight Rates Hold Steady Amid Infrastructure Rehab

Despite ongoing road infrastructure rehabilitation, most notably at the San Juanico Bridge, logistics companies have pledged no increases in domestic freight rates. Authorities confirm forwarders are absorbing costs to maintain pricing stability while essential transportation repairs take place.

Eco‑Friendly Innovations at the Port

DP World and Asian Terminals recently deployed the first fleet of electric internal transfer vehicles (ITVs) in Philippine ports. These electric units will improve yard operations, reduce carbon emissions, and set a new standard in sustainable terminal logistics.

Strategic Road Upgrades Enhancing Port Connectivity

The ongoing NLEX Harbor Link Project, including the new Segment 8.2 link connecting Valenzuela and Quezon City to Radial Road 10, is set to significantly ease cargo trucking to Port of Manila. Construction phases are underway through 2025, promising more efficient road access for inland logistics routes.

Implications for Freight Forwarders in Manila

For businesses working with freight forwarders:

• Expect faster transit times, lower vessel turnaround delays, and improved cargo reliability.

• Broader capacity supports increased LCL and FCL volume scalability.

• Greater access to eco-friendly port operations improves sustainability credentials.

• Road network upgrades will reduce overland delays and fuel cost variability.

• Stable freight rates enable predictable quoting and budgeting through mid-2025.

Looking Ahead

These investments reflect a strong national strategy to modernize the Philippines’ logistics ecosystem through public–private partnerships. With solid port growth, sustainable technology advancements, and improved road links, Manila is poised to become an even stronger freight hub in Southeast Asia by year-end.

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Sources & References

1. DP World & ATI Manila Port Expansion
   “DP World and Asian Terminals Inc. deploy first fleet of electric internal transfer vehicles in the Philippines.”
   DP World Newsroom, June 2025.
   https://www.dpworld.com/news/releases/dp-world-and-asian-terminals-100m-investment-expands-manila-south-harbors-capacity

2. Throughput Growth at Manila South Harbor
   “As Philippine Trade Grows, DP World Expands Manila Terminal.”
   The Maritime Executive, May 2025.
   https://maritime-executive.com/article/as-philippine-trade-grows-dp-world-expands-manila-terminal

3. Freight Market Insights in Asia (2025)
   “The Fastest Growing Freight Forwarding Markets in Asia for 2025.”
   The Cooperative Logistics Network, May 2025.
   https://www.thecooperativelogisticsnetwork.com/blog/2025/05/19/the-fastest-growing-freight-forwarding-markets-in-asia-for-2025

4. Freight Rate Stability Announcement
   “Logistics firms vow no freight rate hike amid San Juanico Bridge rehab.”
   The Philippine Star, June 2025.
   https://www.philstar.com/nation/2025/06/19/2451639/logistics-firms-vow-no-freight-rate-hike