Cebu major ports eyed as intl. cruise line docking stations

CEBU CITY – The Cebu Port Authority (CPA) said it is eyeing three of Cebu’s major ports as potential docking ports for international cruise liners. CPA General Manager plan to make Cebu as a destination Mayor Joven Mondigo Jr. led Francisco Comendador III said for international cruise the groundbreaking ceremony the Cebu International Port liners is in line with the National for the P109.3 million roll-on (CIP), Port 88 in Liloan and the Cruise Tourism Development roll-off (Ro-ro) ramp expansion Cebu South Harbor and Container Strategy and Action Plan of the project at the Port of Kawit Terminal in Talisay City Department of Tourism. in Medellin town recently. are some of the potential ports It aims to promote and The port in mainland Cebu’s for cruise ships in Cebu. market the Philippines as an tip-most corridor can accommodate

At present, CIP serves as attractive and diverse cruise only one shipping main ports for international destination, offering high-level company and operates the cargo, bulk and break bulk customer satisfaction and route of Kawit to neighboring cargo vessels while the Cebu cost-effective deployment for islands like Santa Fe and Masbate South Port and Container Terminal cruise liners operating in major on Bantayan Island. With Services Corp. is a new homeports in Asia. the expansion project, the port privately-owned container yard “This is a welcome opportunity is expected to provide additional for breakbulk cargo operations, for the Port of Cebu to be docking facilities to accommodate according to Comendador. able to feature our world-class additional Ro-ro vessels

Port 88 is a privately-owned port facilities here and to be acknowledged and conventional vessels. smart port in Liloan on a global scale. Comendador said the expansion that enhances connectivity We are closely collaborating with will also provide better with Mactan Island and the Camotes DOT on this to also ensure (the) mooring structure for Ro-ro island group. readiness of our ports in anticipation vessels to safely dock in the

Comendador said Tourism of more port calls from port facility, especially during officials and executives of top cruise ship lines,” Comendador inclement weather conditions. Wallem Philippines Shipping said. The expansion project is Inc. and partner international Meanwhile, Comendador, also expected to lower transport offshore handlers have recently and Cebu 4th District Rep. Janice cost and reduce travel time inspected the CIP. He said the Salimbangon, and Medellin for the sugarcane planters of

Bogo and Medellin and complement the logistical needs of the soon-to-be Medellin airport project and the proposed Northern

Cebu Economic Zone in Medellin, Cebu.

It is also expected to boost Medellin’s tourism industry as it also serves as a gateway to Bantayan Island as one of Cebu’s best beach destinations in the north. ( John Rey Saavedra)

'HSDUWPHQW RI 7RXULVP R௻FLDOV WRJHWKHU ZLWK H[HFXWLYHV RI :DOOHP 3KLOLSSLQHV 6KLSSLQJ Inc., inspect the Cebu International Port, which is being eyed as one of Cebu's cruise liner docking stations. Apart from CIP, Pier 88 in Liloan, Cebu and the Cebu South Port and Container Terminal Services Corp. in Talisay City are also being considered as alternate ports for international cruise ships. (Photo by Cebu Port Authority)