Patrick Ronas, president of the Association of International Shipping Lines.
AISL eyes 2026 turning point for shipping
January 7, 2026
THE Philippine international shipping and logistics sector is poised for a strategic shift in 2026, driven by the potential normalization of global trade routes and aggressive infrastructure expansion by major terminal operators, according to the Association of International Shipping Lines (AISL).
In an interview with The Manila Times, AISL President Patrick Ronas outlined the critical factors expected to shape the industry this year, highlighted by the cautious reopening of the Red Sea transit and record-breaking performances by Philippine terminals.
Global disruptions and the Red Sea return
Ronas identified the geopolitical situation in the Red Sea as a primary driver for shipping dynamics in 2026. Following months of Houthi attacks sparked by the war in Gaza, vessels were forced to divert via the Cape of Good Hope, adding approximately 14 days to transit times for ships moving between Asia, Europe, and the US East Coast.
“With the longer transit times, shipping lines had to add additional ships or amend schedules to ensure the regularity of arrivals and departures in certain key markets,” Ronas explained.
This diversion triggered a cascade of rising operating expenses, including higher fuel costs, increased insurance premiums, and congestion in major European hubs due to disrupted arrival schedules.
However, Ronas noted a shifting tide, with major carriers like CMA CGM and Maersk recently testing the Red Sea route with caution.
“We hope that the geopolitical tension in the region continues to ease so that normal routing can return,” Ronas said. “This will be good for traders as shorter transit times mean less inventory carrying cost and imbalances in the supply chain.”
Resilient Philippine trade
Despite global headwinds, Ronas emphasized that Philippine trade remained resilient because it is not solely reliant on Western markets. The country’s strong ties with China, Singapore, Korea, Japan, and Southeast Asia provided a buffer.
“This is evident with the improved volumes of export of 7 percent compared to last year. Our imports are also up significantly by 10 percent,” Ronas noted.
‘Future-proofing’ through infrastructure
Domestically, the outlook for 2026 is buoyed by massive capital investments from the country’s top port operators.
Ronas highlighted the International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI) and its ongoing construction of the Luzon International Container Terminal (LICT) in Bauan, Batangas. With a budget of $800 million, the facility is slated to be operational by 2027.
“It is meant to ‘future-proof’ the logistics industry,” Ronas said, noting that the new terminal will serve as a catalyst for economic growth in Southern Luzon. “We look forward to the expected balancing of the trade as Manila roads leading to the South continue to be a burden to all.”
Record-breaking terminal performance
Ronas also lauded the operational milestones achieved by Manila’s key terminals over the past year.
The Manila International Container Terminal (MICT) set a new record, handling over 3.5 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units), a massive leap from pre-pandemic volumes of less than 2 million. Ronas attributed this to the terminal’s modernization efforts, including the addition of hybrid equipment.
Similarly, Asian Terminals Inc. (ATI) reported significant improvements following the extension of Pier 3 and the acquisition of two new ship-to-shore gantries. These upgrades expanded ATI’s yard capacity by 25 percent, allowing it to handle record container volumes