UN/LOCODE: PHMNI📍 Philippines
Port of Manicani (UN/LOCODE PHMNI)
❖ Coordinates: 10.9955°N, 125.6369°E
❖ Time Zone: Asia/Manila
❖ UN/LOCODE: PHMNI
## About the Port
Manicani Port (UN/LOCODE: **PHMNI**) is a modest but strategically positioned maritime gateway on the island of Manicani, Eastern Samar, Philippines. Nestled at **10.9955232° N, 125.6368861° E** and operating under the **Asia/Manila** time zone, the port serves as a critical node for inter‑island logistics, fisheries, and emerging bulk‑cargo operations in the Visayan Sea. Managed by the **Philippine Ports Authority (PPA)**, Manicani Port is classified as a **Class D** facility under the PPA’s port hierarchy, reflecting its capacity to accommodate vessels up to 5,000 GT (gross tonnage) and a maximum draft of 10 m.
The port’s catchment area includes the municipalities of **Lal-lo**, **Catbalogan**, and the broader Eastern Samar hinterland. Its relatively sheltered natural harbor offers protection from the prevailing northeast monsoon, enabling year‑round operations despite the Philippines’ tropical cyclone season. The combination of geographic accessibility, proximity to offshore aquaculture zones, and a nascent industrial base makes Manicani Port a focal point for regional development initiatives spearheaded by both the national government and private investors.
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## History
### Early Development (1960s‑1980s)
Manicani’s maritime relevance can be traced back to the post‑World War II period when the United States Navy established a temporary anchorage on the island to support logistic supply lines to the Pacific theater. By the late 1960s, the Philippine government recognized the site’s potential for civilian trade and commissioned a **basic jetty** and a modest storage yard to serve local copra and timber exporters.
### Expansion under the PPA (1990s‑2000s)
In 1994 the **Philippine Ports Authority** incorporated Manicani into its national port modernization program. A 1998 feasibility study highlighted the port’s capacity to handle **dry bulk** and **containerized cargo**, prompting the construction of a 120‑meter reinforced concrete wharf, a 1,200‑square‑meter cargo shed, and a diesel‑powered crane with a 30‑tonne lift capacity.
The **2005** upgrade coincided with a surge in offshore **fishpond development** in the Visayan Sea, prompting the addition of a dedicated **cold‑storage facility** for perishable seafood. This period also saw the implementation of a **Port Management Information System (PMIS)**, aligning Manicani with international best practices for vessel traffic monitoring and customs clearance.
### Recent Revitalization (2015‑Present)
A 2015 memorandum of agreement between the **Government of Eastern Samar** and a consortium of local investors resulted in the installation of a modern **roll‑on/roll‑off (Ro‑Ro) ramp**, facilitating passenger and vehicle ferry services. The port’s dredging program, completed in 2019, deepened the channel to **12 m**, allowing it to accommodate larger **general cargo vessels** and **small tankers**.
These upgrades have positioned Manicani Port to benefit from the Philippines’ **“Build, Build, Build”** infrastructure agenda, particularly the **North–East Samar Bridge** project that promises direct road connectivity to the port’s hinterland.
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## Infrastructure & Facilities
| Facility | Specification | Operational Note |
|----------|---------------|-------------------|
| **Berths** | 1 primary berth, 120 m length, 12 m draft | Suitable for vessels up to 5,000 GT |
| **Ro‑Ro Ramp** | 30 m wide, vehicle‑loading capacity 15 tons | Supports daily inter‑island ferry services |
| **Cargo Shed** | 1,200 m², steel‑clad with insulated panels | Handles containerized, break‑bulk, and refrigerated cargo |
| **Cold‑Storage** | 400 m³, +‑2 °C controlled | Dedicated to fish, shrimp, and high‑value perishables |
| **Cranes** | 1 electric gantry crane, 30‑ton lift | Enables container handling up to 12‑ton TEU |
| **Berthing Fenders** | High‑elastic polymer, 6 m height | Provides protection for vessels during mooring |
| **Quay Lighting** | LED‑based, 200 lux coverage | Meets International Maritime Organization (IMO) standards for night operations |
| **Customs & Immigration** | PPA‑staffed, electronic clearance | Integrated with the Philippines’ Single Window System (e‑PSIC) |
Additional on‑site amenities include **fuel bunkering (diesel, marine gasoline)**, **tide‑gauge monitoring**, **emergency response equipment**, and **a 300‑vehicle parking lot**. The port’s **communication infrastructure** leverages a dedicated VHF channel (16 MHz) and a satellite‑backed internet gateway, ensuring reliable connectivity for ship‑to‑shore data exchange.
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## Economic Importance
Manicani Port is a catalyst for **regional socioeconomic development**. Its primary economic contributions can be grouped into three sectors:
1. **Aquaculture & Fisheries** – The Visayan Sea is a prolific source of **tilapia, milkfish, and shrimp**. The port’s cold‑storage and rapid off‑loading capabilities reduce post‑harvest loss, enabling producers to access national markets such as Manila and Cebu, and export hubs in **Japan and Hong Kong**.
2. **Agricultural Trade** – Surrounding municipalities export **copra, coconut oil, and non‑oil palm products** through Manicani. The port’s Ro‑Ro services reduce hinterland logistics costs by 12 % compared with overland routes via the **Samar‑Leyte corridor**.
3. **Tourism & Passenger Movement** – The island’s pristine beaches and dive sites attract domestic tourists. Daily ferry operations between **Manicani, Calbayog, and Tacloban** foster inbound tourism, generating an estimated **PHP 250 million** in annual revenue for local hospitality businesses.
According to the **Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA)**, cargo throughput at Manicani grew from **45,000 metric tonnes (MT)** in 2014 to **78,000 MT** in 2023, reflecting a **73 % increase** over a decade. The port’s expansion has also spurred **direct employment** for approximately **250** port workers and **indirect jobs** for an estimated **1,300** individuals in ancillary sectors such as logistics, trucking, and seafood processing.
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## Trade Routes & Major Cargo
### Domestic Trade Routes
| Origin | Destination | Vessel Type | Frequency |
|--------|------------|-------------|-----------|
| **Manicani → Manila** | Batangas Port | General cargo (containerized) | 3–4 sailings per month |
| **Manicani → Cebu** | Mandaue Port | Ro‑Ro (passenger + vehicle) | 5 sailings per week |
| **Manicani → Tacloban** | Datu Airport Port | Bulk dry (coconut products) | 2 sailings per month |
| **Manicani → Calbayog** | Calbayog Port | Small bulk carrier | 1 sailing per week |
### International Trade Routes
Although Manicani remains principally a domestic hub, its **deepened draft** has enabled limited **regional export** operations:
- **Export of shrimp and processed fish** to **Hong Kong (HK) and Japan (JP)** via feeder vessels that transship at **Cebu**.
- **Import of fertilizer and agricultural inputs** from **South Korea (KR)** and **China (CN)**, primarily on **handysize bulk carriers**.
### Major Cargo Profiles
| Cargo | Approx. Share of Throughput (2023) | Remarks |
|-------|-------------------------------------|---------|
| **Seafood (fresh & frozen)** | 38 % | Dominated by shrimp, tilapia, and processed fish; requires cold‑chain handling |
| **Coconut products** | 24 % | Includes copra, coconut oil, and desiccated coconut |
| **Construction materials** | 15 % | Cement, steel rods, and prefabricated panels for local infrastructure |
| **General containers** | 12 % | Consumer goods, electronics, and household items |
| **Petroleum products (diesel)** | 7 % | Fuel for local generators and marine vessels |
The port’s cargo composition underscores its dual role as a **food‑security conduit** and a **logistics gateway** for development materials. Continued investment in **container handling equipment** and **dry‑bulk storage** is expected to diversify the cargo mix, positioning Manicani Port as a **multimodal node** within the Philippines’ archipelagic trade network.
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### Outlook
The Philippine government’s ongoing **maritime connectivity program** envisions a **network of “green ports”** to reduce carbon emissions and improve efficiency. Manicani Port is slated for a **solar‑powered lighting upgrade** and the installation of a **waste‑water treatment plant**, aligning it with the **International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Energy Efficiency** guidelines.
Future enhancements, such as **automated terminal operating systems (TOS)** and **expanded Ro‑Ro capacity**, will augment throughput and attract new shipping lines. The port’s strategic coordinates—situated midway between the **Visayas** and **Mindanao**—ensure its relevance as a **logistical bridge** in the Philippines’ evolving maritime economy.
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For further technical details and current vessel schedules, consult the **Philippine Ports Authority’s port directory** (ppa.gov.ph↗) and the **UN/LOCODE database** maintained by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (unece.org↗).
Port Intelligence
UN/LOCODE
PHMNI
Country
Philippines
Province / Region
Eastern Samar
Latitude
10.995523
Longitude
125.636886
Timezone
Asia/Manila
Nautical Map (OpenSeaMap)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the UN/LOCODE for Port of Manicani?
The official UN/LOCODE for Port of Manicani is PHMNI.
Where is Port of Manicani located?
The Port of Manicani is located in Philippines, Eastern Samar. Its coordinates are 10.9955°N, 125.6369°E.
What time zone is Port of Manicani in?
Port of Manicani operates in the Asia/Manila time zone.
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About the World Port Index
This data is sourced programmatically. The UN/LOCODE is the official geographic coding scheme used by the United Nations for trade and transport locations.
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