BBM commends VICT’s expansion
PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. attended the unveiling of Victoria International Container Terminal’s (VICT) Phase 3 expansion in Melbourne, Australia, on Monday, March 4.
Marcos expressed admiration for VICT’s achievement as the only fully automated container terminal in the Southern Hemisphere and highlighted its significant growth since its inception in 2017.
“Being the only fully automated container terminal in the Southern Hemisphere is truly a feat worthy of admiration,” Marcos said.
He added: “We are delighted that since VICT started operations in 2017, it has grown to become a major player in Melbourne, giving healthy competition to its peers. This expansion that we are seeing today is a clear sign that Filipino companies can compete in some of the most advanced economies in the world. And in the case of VICT, they are in it for the long haul. We look forward to VICT’s continued success and growth.”
Enrique Razon Jr., ICTSI chairman and president, said, “This additional investment redefines the Port of Melbourne’s landscape, setting new operational efficiency and capacity standards. VICT can now accommodate the largest container vessels, calling Australia the neo-Panamax giants, solidifying the Port of Melbourne’s position as Australia’s number one container port.”
VICT, the only terminal in Melbourne, has expanded to accommodate supersized ships, resulting in faster turnaround time and improved efficiency.
The AU$235 million (P8.5 billion) project, completed in December 2023, will increase the terminal’s capacity by 30 percent to 1.25 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU). The project will extend the quay by 71 meters, allowing two 366-meter vessels to berth side-by-side. Additionally, three new storage blocks and 15 new truck lanes will be added to the landside, enhancing the terminal’s booking system time slot offerings by up to 30 percent per hour starting in January 2024.
This investment enhances operational efficiency and capacity, enabling VICT to accommodate the largest container vessels and bolstering Melbourne’s status as Australia’s primary container port.
The expansion inaugurated by President Marcos, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and Razon at The Ritz-Carlton in Melbourne will benefit Australian businesses by providing a competitive advantage. Notable attendees included Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual and Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez.
Phase 3A involved acquiring automated equipment, including ship-to-shore cranes, six auto container carriers and six autostacking cranes to support increased yard capacity. Phase 3B, slated for completion in 2026, will further expand infrastructure and equipment capabilities. VICT’s strategic investments aim to accommodate anticipated growth and optimize terminal operations.