INTERNATIONAL Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI) said it has received the green light from the Philippines Ports Authority (PPA) to proceed with its expansion of the Manila International Container Terminal (MICT).
In a statement on Monday, the Razon-led listed port operator said the expansion of Berths 7 to 10 has been divided into two phases.
The first phase, which covers the construction of Berths 7 and 8 will begin on Oct. 15. The second phase will add a full back-up area for future Berths 9 and 10, and is expected to start on Feb. 19, 2019.
ICTSI Global Corporate Head Christian R. Gonzalez said the berth expansion, which will all have a controlling depth of 13.5 to 14.5 meters, “will further strengthen MICT’s capacity to service the world’s larger box ships and the increasing volume that comes with them.”
“On top of our commitments, the construction of these berths is our response to the need for an increase in capacity and increased productivity over the longer term. We also need to accommodate system changes, such as the steady increase in vessel size, the consolidation of major shipping players, and the introduction of rail services,” Mr. Gonzalez was quoted as saying in the statement.
ICTSI said the establishment of Berth 7 is part of its contractual obligations under its deal with the PPA. The company has allotted more than $380-million allocation for capital expenditure this year, including the MICT expansion.
The company also expects 16 new rubber-tired gantries to arrive in 2019, of which eight will be available by April. Two more super post Panamax quay cranes are also expected to be delivered by next year.
ICTSI has been operating the MICT, its flagship operation, since 1988. — Denise A. Valdez
