Hapag-Lloyd has stopped accepting new bookings to three major Philippine ports, citing ongoing congestion and limited depot capacity. The suspension affects cargo from all origins and trade lanes and is currently expected to last until the end of December 2026.

Which Ports Are Affected?

The suspension applies to three key destinations in the Philippines: Manila (PHMNL), Batangas (PHBTG) and Subic Bay (PHSFS). These ports handle a significant share of containerised trade into the country, so the pause affects a broad range of import cargo regardless of where it originates.

Why Hapag-Lloyd Took This Step

The carrier pointed to continued congestion at the three locations combined with severe constraints on depot capacity. It said limited capacity to return empty containers is adding to growing backlogs, creating a cycle where boxes pile up faster than they can be cleared. By pausing new bookings, Hapag-Lloyd appears to be trying to prevent the situation from worsening while it works through the existing backlog.

How Existing Bookings Are Being Handled

The suspension applies only to new bookings. Cargo that already has a confirmed booking to Manila, Batangas or Subic Bay is not automatically cancelled, but Hapag-Lloyd has said its customer service teams will reach out directly if any changes, cancellations or revised arrangements are needed. Shippers with cargo currently in transit to these ports have been told to contact their local Hapag-Lloyd representative for details specific to their shipment, rather than relying on general notices.

Working With Local Partners

Hapag-Lloyd said it is coordinating with local partners in the Philippines to address the backlog and improve the flow of containers in and out of the affected ports. No further detail was given on what this cooperation involves or how quickly it is expected to ease the depot constraints. The carrier has said any change to the length of the suspension will be announced separately, meaning the 31 December 2026 end date is subject to revision depending on how conditions develop.

What This Means for Shippers and Cargo Owners

For shippers and importers who regularly move cargo through Manila, Batangas or Subic Bay, this suspension is likely to disrupt planning in the near term. New bookings on Hapag-Lloyd to these three ports cannot be made for now, which may push shippers toward alternative carriers or routings, potentially at higher cost or with longer lead times. Those with confirmed bookings should expect possible delays or changes and should stay in close contact with their Hapag-Lloyd representative rather than assume shipments will proceed as originally planned. Cargo owners with goods already en route should keep tracking their shipments closely and have a direct line to local contacts in case rerouting or storage arrangements are required. Given that the suspension could be extended or shortened depending on how quickly congestion and depot capacity improve, shippers should treat the end-of-December timeline as provisional and check for updates regularly rather than building firm plans around it.

Sources: container-news.com