INTERNATIONAL Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI) will soon start expanding the capacity of its flagship port in Manila, after securing approval from the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA).
The improvements will be done in two phases, with the first phase involving the expansion of Berths 7 and 8 of the Manila International Container Terminal (MICT).
Works are scheduled to start on October 15.
Christian R. Gonzales, who heads the global corporate affairs office of the company, said the berth expansion, all with a controlling depth of 13.5 meters to 14.5 meters, will further strengthen the port’s capacity to service larger box ships.
“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,” he said.
Pending final approvals, the second phase will involve the addition of a full backup area for the future Berths 9 and 10. It is projected to start on February 19 next year.
When completed, this additional area will give the terminal substantial flexibility to deal with the increasing impact of weather-related issues and changes in the regulatory environment.
“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,” Gonzales said.
He said the company is set to receive 16 new rubber-tired gantries in 2019, with the first eight RTGs available by April next year, complementing the expansion initiatives.
At the quay, two more super-post Panamax quay cranes (QC) are expected to be delivered by next year. Three QCs were delivered earlier in the year, and are already operational, he added.
The construction of Berth 7 is part of ICTSI’s contractual obligations to upgrade, expand and develop the MICT under its contract with the PPA.
For 2018 alone, the ICTSI Group has allocated more than $380 million for capital expenditure, including the expansion of the Manila flagship port.