Marine Forwarding

Port guide · UN/LOCODE PH MNL

Manila, Philippines

Philippines · 14.58° N, 120.97° E

The World Port Index classes Manila as a coastal harbor sheltered by breakwaters on the South China Sea. It records a channel depth of 9.4 m and a cargo pier depth of 14 m. Norfolk is 14,020 km away in a straight line.

14,020 km from Norfolk, Virginia, in a straight line.
Channel depth
9.4 m
Cargo pier depth
14 m
From Norfolk
14,020 kmGreat-circle distance
Nearest port guide
Subic Bay80 km away

Depths and vessel limits

Channel depth
9.4 m
Anchorage depth
11 m
Cargo pier depth
14 m
Oil terminal depth
7.9 m
Tidal range
1 m
Maximum vessel beam
44 m

As recorded in the World Port Index. Gauges run from 0 to 25 m. Confirm current depths and limits with the port before you fix a vessel.

Facilities on record

Arrival and entry

Manila is listed as a first port of entry. Pilotage is compulsory.

First port of entry
Yes
Pilotage compulsory
Yes
Pilotage available
Yes
Pilotage advisable
Yes
Tug assistance
Yes
Arrival notice (ETA message) required
Yes
Shelter afforded
Excellent
Entrance restricted by tide
Yes
Entrance restricted by swell
Yes
Entrance restricted by ice
No
Overhead limits
Yes

Cargo handling

The heaviest lift class recorded is 50 to 100 tons.

Wharves
Yes
Anchorage
Yes
Mobile cranes
Yes
Floating cranes
Yes
Lifts of 50 to 100 tons
Yes
Lifts of 25 to 49 tons
Yes
Lifts up to 24 tons
Yes
Longshore labor
Yes
Railway
Medium

Services and supplies

Repair capability is rated moderate.

Repairs
Moderate
Dry dock
Medium
Fuel oil
Yes
Diesel oil
Yes
Potable water
Yes
Provisions
Yes
Medical facilities
Yes
Garbage disposal
Yes
Airport
Yes

US trade with the Philippines

US exports, 2025
$9.2BLed by electrical machinery and equipment
US imports, 2025
$17.8BLed by electrical machinery and equipment

Top goods, trade terms and port guides for the Philippines

Other ports in the Philippines

The nearest is Subic Bay, 80 km away in a straight line.

Sources

  • US trade figures: US Census Bureau, International Trade API, HS2 total exports and general imports for calendar 2024 and 2025, retrieved November 4, 2026.
  • Port data: National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, World Port Index (Pub 150), from NGA's UpdatedPub150.csv as captured by the Internet Archive on September 29, 2026.
  • Distances are great-circle distances computed from World Port Index coordinates, not sailing distances.
  • Map: Natural Earth 1:110m land, public domain.