The British Chamber of Commerce Philippines (BCCP) announced that a United Kingdom-based firm in partnership with local terminal operations specialists have offered to develop Dumangas Port in the province of Iloilo.
Seasia Logistics Philippines, Inc. (SLPI), the exclusive local partner of British firm Nectar Group Limited, is seeking to develop the port into a modern international, BCCP chairman Chris Nelson told reporters Wednesday.
He said SLPI executives met Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor Sr. to present their vision for upgrading the port.
Nelson said the company has conducted initial studies regarding the port’s infrastructure.
The BCCP chief noted that this was an offshoot of the business group?s trade mission to Iloilo last month, which drew the participation of SLPI and other British companies.
The Iloilo local government has reportedly shown an interest in developing the Dumangas Port into an international container terminal to accommodate a larger number of bigger vessels.
Currently, there are 10 roll-on roll-off ships operating in the port to service the Negros Island and Cebu City routes, among other locations.
Nelson said SLPI?s interest in the development of the Dumangas Port reflects UK companies? support for the infrastructure program of the Philippine government.
Nectar Seasia Nectar Port Services Inc. (SNPSI) currently operates an $18.5 million dry bulk terminal in Bataan whcih handles shipments of coal, clinker, silica sand and cement raw materials, as well as steel, fertilizer and other dry bulk cargoes. The terminal covers some 11.4 hectares and will provide a port facility with a 247 meter quay length and a 14 metre draft with an annual capacity of at least 3 million tons.
(PNA)
