Port of Subic, Port of San Diego eye sister-port agreement to boost trade, cruise tourism
The Superstar Gemini, a Star Cruises vessel, has been known to visit Subic Bay. In the past, it was scheduled to make several trips to the Subic Bay Freeport Zone, bringing thousands of passengers.
Jonas Reyes
Subic Bay Freeport – The Port of Subic and the Port of San Diego are eyeing a sister-port agreement that will create new opportunities for trade, commercial cargo development, cruise tourism and the adoption of environmentally sustainable port technologies.
The said partnership between the two ports will be solidified on 15 October 2026 in San Diego, California, strengthening this Freeport’s international maritime ties.
According to SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño, the partnership will provide a framework for the two ports to exchange expertise, explore business opportunities and share best practices as they respond to the changing demands of the global maritime industry.
“A key area of cooperation will be the development of trade and commercial cargo services. Through the sister-port relationship, SBMA and the Port of San Diego can explore potential cargo routes, logistics opportunities and other initiatives that could expand commercial links between Subic Bay and California,” he added.
The agreement will also focus on cruise tourism, with both ports expected to share experience in cruise ship operations, passenger handling, port services and tourism-related facilities. The exchange could help SBMA further enhance Subic Bay’s capabilities as a cruise destination and improve the overall experience of visiting passengers and cruise operators.
He furthered that another important component of the partnership is the exchange of knowledge on green port technologies and sustainable maritime operations.
The Port of San Diego has experience in implementing environmental programs and technologies aimed at reducing the impact of port activities. Through the partnership, SBMA can gain insights into approaches to cleaner port operations, energy efficiency, emissions reduction and other environmental initiatives that could be adapted to the Subic Bay Freeport.
SBMA Senior Deputy Administrator for Port Operations Ronnie Yambao said that the partnership will also strengthen people-to-people and professional ties through exchanges involving port officials, maritime industry stakeholders and other organizations connected to shipping, logistics and tourism.
“With Subic Bay positioned as a major maritime and logistics hub in the Philippines, the cooperation with San Diego could help broaden SBMA’s international network and identify new opportunities for the Freeport in the areas of cargo, cruise tourism and sustainable port development,” he added.
The Sisterport agreement underscores the shared goal of making ports more connected, competitive and environmentally responsible while creating new avenues for economic cooperation between the Philippines and the United States.
In February this year, SBMA has signed a similar agreement with the Port of Kaohsiung and is scheduled to expand its maritime and logistics network by signing another Sisterport agreement with the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, Belgium in May 2027.