International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI) has announced a substantial investment of P15 billion for the construction of a cutting-edge berth at its flagship Manila International Container Terminal , aiming to elevate MICT to new heights.
The move comes in response to the escalating presence of foreign ultra container vessels, which have witnessed a remarkable surge in capacity, now reaching up to 18,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs).
The construction of Berth 8 will be implemented in phases, resulting in an additional 400 meters of quay and 12 hectares of yard space. This expansion will significantly bolster MICT’s capacity, adding an extra 200,000 TEUs to its annual handling capability.
Upon completion, MICT will emerge as the Philippines’ largest international gateway, boasting an impressive annual capacity of 3.5 million TEUs. This remarkable growth represents a notable 21 percent increase in berthing capacity, culminating in a total berth length of 2,300 meters.
Christian R. Gonzalez, the executive vice president of ICTSI, expressed his enthusiasm for the project. “We are thrilled to announce the development of Berth 8, which will propel us to the same league as the world’s top terminals. Importantly, this expansion will bring substantial economic benefits to the Philippines as we strengthen our capacity to handle the growing trade volumes.”
Presently, MICT is adept at accommodating neo-Panamax ships through berths 6 and 7, operating with a fleet of five quay cranes (QCs). A sixth crane is set to arrive in July 2023 and will be fully operational within the same year.
Berth 8, on the other hand, will require a minimum of four QCs, with two expected to be delivered by 2025.
Since ICTSI assumed control of MICT in 1988, the company has been steadfast in its commitment to growth and modernization. In excess of P96 billion has been remitted to the government through the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), and over P3 billion in taxes has been paid to the City of Manila during this period.
Furthermore, ICTSI has invested over P40 billion in the modernization of MICT, facilitating the handling of more than 47 million TEUs since its acquisition.
