The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) has issued Advisory No. 2026-10, easing domestic shipping operations and granting discounts to charges as part of the government’s contingency measures to address the expected surge on fuel prices and possible shortage of supply due to the escalating Middle East crisis.
Issued on March 6, 2026 but was only released over the weekend, the MARINA Advisory signed by Administrator Sonia B. Malaluan said the crisis is causing volatility in global markets, specifically driving up global fuel prices and increasing shipping, logistics and energy costs due to the shutdown of fuel facilities across the Middle East and disruption of tanker shipping operations.
As part of the contingency measures, MARINA allows shipping companies and operators to reduce or limit trips of ships, consolidate passengers and cargo volume to optimize load capacity of ships, subject to its approval. As this could mean schedule changes, operators are directed to issue travel advisories to passengers.
Shipping operators are also directed to prioritize the transport of basic and critical commodities/cargoes.
MARINA also allows cancellation of trips subject to its approval.
To reduce the cost of shipping operations, MARINA may waive the payment of the annual tonnage fee due in 2026 and grant 75 percent discount on the payment of fees and charges on applications for issuance of ship documents/certificates during the period of crisis only.
MARINA may also suspend the implementation of new fees and charges.
On passenger fare and cargo freight rates, shipping companies are require to submit to concerned MARINA Regional Office within 3 calendar days from issuance of this advisory the passenger fare and cargo freight base fare, as of February 28, 2026.
Upward adjustment of fare and cargo freight rates or fuel surcharge up to a maximum of 20 percent of the base fare, shall be allowed only during the crisis period. Adjustment above the 20 percent shall be subject to MARINA’s evaluation.
Once the crisis subsides, shipping companies must remove any fuel surcharge and revert to pre-crisis passenger fare and cargo rates.
Administrator Malaluan said the measures are intended to ensure that domestic maritime transport remains stable despite global disruptions.
“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,” she said.
Shipping operators are required to submit to the MARINA their business continuity plan, including the energy conservation protocols, within 10 days from issuance of the advisory.
