Manila expansion

The construction of Berth 8 by International Container Terminal Services (ICTSI) at its flagship Manila International Container Terminal (MICT) will be done in two phases, allowing MICT to handle increasing volume demand and serve new-generation container ships that can carry up to 18,000 TEUs.

“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,” said Christian R. Gonzalez, ICTSI executive vice president.

“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.

The US$29 million investment will add a total of 400 metres quay and up to 12 hectares of yard area in phases. Water alongside will be initially dredged to a depth of 13.5 metres with potential further deepening to 15 metres draft.

The full build, including Berths 6 and 7 and combined with the 1,300 metres of Berths 1 – 5, will give MICT a total berth length of 2,300 metres and expand the MICT berthing and total capacities by 21% and 25% respectively.

Aside from the construction of Berth 8, ICTSI has begun a modernisation of Berths 1 to 5 and their backup and yard areas. The project includes the installation of additional reefer racks to accommodate approximately 300 TEUs of reefer cargo.

In March, eight new hybrid RTGs are scheduled to be deployed that will increase the terminal’s hybrid fleet to 40 units. ICTSI has also been investing in technology to increase efficiency and productivity of its flagship operation.