Subic Bay, Philippines
Sea freight in Subic Bay
We book FCL and LCL sea freight for shippers and consignees in Subic Bay, via Subic Bay Freeport. Pre-carriage, on-carriage by road or rail and the customs entries are planned together with the ocean booking.
Airports, seaports and connections in Subic Bay
- AirportClark
CRK - SeaportSubic Bay Freeport
The Subic Bay Freeport Zone is served by the container terminals of Subic Bay, operated by Subic Bay International Terminals, which handle FCL cargo for Central and Northern Luzon. For air freight, the nearest major airport is Clark International Airport (CRK), reached via the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway, while Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) is the main alternative. Subic Bay's own airport plays little role in commercial cargo today.
The Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) connects Subic with Clark and Tarlac, and the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) continues to Metro Manila. The Subic Freeport Expressway links the freeport with NLEX. We arrange pick-up and delivery across the Subic Bay Freeport Zone and Zambales.
Operational logistics facts for Subic Bay
| Hub | Specialisation | Local advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Subic Bay container terminals | FCL for Central and Northern Luzon | Container port outside Metro Manila congestion |
| Subic Bay Freeport Zone (SBMA) | Shipbuilding, logistics, manufacturing | Freeport customs treatment for registered companies |
| Clark International Airport (CRK), via SCTEX | International air freight | Nearest major airport, linked by expressway |
| SCTEX and NLEX corridor | Road freight to Clark, Tarlac and Manila | Expressway links in two directions |
Industries in Subic Bay and how we support them
The Subic Bay Freeport Zone, administered by the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, hosts shipbuilding and ship repair, logistics and distribution centres, manufacturing companies and tourism businesses. Freeport-registered companies import and export under special customs treatment. Ziem Logistics supports these supply chains with FCL sea freight via the Subic Bay terminals, air freight via CRK or MNL on our own air waybills, Next Flight Out for urgent ship spare parts and On-Board Couriers for critical components. Our own customs team handles declarations in-house, including freeport procedures.
FCL and LCL via Subic Bay Freeport
Full containers are booked directly with the shipping line; for smaller volumes we use LCL consolidation services. Pre-carriage from Subic Bay to Subic Bay Freeport, or on-carriage after arrival, is arranged by road or rail as part of the same booking.
Customs clearance in the Philippines
In-house customs team
Customs clearance in the Philippines is handled by our own in-house customs team.
For air freight to and from the Philippines we issue our own air waybills.
Importers in the Philippines need accreditation as an importer with the Bureau of Customs.
Frequently asked questions
Which port is used for sea freight to and from Subic Bay?
Usually Subic Bay Freeport. Depending on the shipping line and the destination, another port can be faster or more economical; we compare the options when quoting.