ICTSI bets P15B for new normal
Our commitment has always been to provide the highest levels of service and infrastructure and building another berth to increase our terminal’s capability is one way of honoring that commitment
Global port operator International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI) of tycoon Enrique Razon is investing approximately P15 billion to develop another berth to expand the capacity of its flagship Manila International Container Terminal (MICT).
The company said the construction of the new berth, which will be done in two phases, will allow MICT to handle increasing volume demand and serve new-generation container ships that can carry up to 18,000 twenty-foot equivalent unit (TEU).
“The added capacity will allow us to stay ahead of demand and address the steadily increasing volume, a sure sign of economic recovery for our country,” ICTSI executive vice president Christian Gonzalez said.
“Berth 8 will be a game-changer for the city; it will take Manila’s port capabilities to a whole new level with the ability to handle the larger capacity ships and the additional volume that comes with them,” he added.
Beyond commitment
Under the current design, Berth 8 will add 400 meters quay and up to 12 hectares of yard area in phases. Along with port equipment, the expansion is estimated to cost P15 billion.
Water alongside will be initially dredged to a depth of 13.5 meters with potential further deepening to 15 meters draft.
According to Gomez, ICTSI was not obligated under its contract with the Philippine Ports Authority to build Berth 8. But the company decided to pursue its development to become more competitive in global trade.
“Our commitment has always been to provide the highest levels of service and infrastructure and building another berth to increase our terminal’s capability is one way of honoring that commitment,” Gonzalez said.
The full build, including Berths 6 and 7 and combined with the 1,300 meters of Berths 1 — 5, will give MICT a total berth length of 2,300 meters and expand the MICT berthing and total capacities by 21 percent and 25 percent, respectively.
Aside from the construction of Berth 8, ICTSI has commenced the modernization of Berths 1 to 5 and their backup and yard areas. The project includes the installation of additional reefer racks by April to accommodate approximately 300 TEU of reefer cargo. Eight new hybrid RTG are scheduled to be deployed this month to increase the terminal’s hybrid fleet to 40 units.