THE expedition ship SH Minerva made its maiden port call at Manila South Harbor on May 9, 2026, demonstrating the Philippines’ capacity to capture the boutique maritime sector.
Arriving from Marinduque with 95 passengers and 125 crew, the visit highlights the country’s appeal to the high-end cruise market.
During the stopover, 76 passengers disembarked for bus tours within Metro Manila. The ship boarded 20 new passengers before departing at 6:00 p.m. for the Hundred Islands.
The Port Management Office (PMO) NCR-South finalized logistics during an April 29, 2026 pre-coordination meeting to streamline customs and docking operations. Additionally, the manning agency organized onboard visits for 105 relatives of the Filipino crew.
Helsinki Shipyard built the $115 million, 10,600-gross-ton vessel in 2021. The Malta-flagged ship features a PC5 ice-strengthened hull, nine decks, and 76 cabins.
The port authority stated the operation aligns with its strategy to service international shipping through efficient terminal management.
