International Container Terminal Services, Inc (ICTSI) continues to expand the capacity of its flagship Manila International Container Terminal (MICT) with a new berth.
Berth 8 will be built in two phases and will allow MICT to handle increasing volume demand and serve new-generation container ships that can carry up to 18,000-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,” said ICTSI executive vice president Christian Gonzalez.
The ICTSI executive described the new berth as a “game changer” for the city taking 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.
Currently under design, Berth 8 will add a total of 400 meters of quay and up to 12 hectares of yard area in phases and is estimated to be costing PHP 15bn ($287.5m).
“Water depth alongside will be initially dredged to 13.5 meters with potential further deepening to 15 meters draft,” ICTSI said.
“ICTSI is not specifically obligated under its contract with the Philippine Ports Authority to build Berth 8. We’re doing it to become more competitive in the face of rising global trade,” said Gonzalez.
“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.”
On completion, Berth 8 will be equipped with at least four quay cranes — two of which will be delivered in 2025 — which will be the largest in the terminal and the country.
Aside from the construction of Berth 8, ICTSI has started modernizing berths one to five with work including the installation of additional reefer racks by April to accommodate approximately 300 teu of reefer cargo.
