INTERNATIONAL Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI) business unit Visayas Container Terminal (VCT) has started the operation of two new mobile harbor cranes (MHC) which will enhance the Iloilo port’s role as a competitive and efficient trade gateway for Western Visayas.
These state-of-the-art cranes are part of ICTSI’s comprehensive upgrades at VCT, in line with the 25-year concession agreement awarded by the Philippine Ports Authority in April under the Port Terminal Management Framework (PTMFRF).
In a statement, PPA general manager Jay Santiago expressed optimism the new MHCs will significantly expedite the arrival and unloading of international cargo entering Panay Island, a crucial step in establishing VCT as a gateway for international shipping trade not only for the province but for the entire Western Visayas region.
“This is our goal for the ports managed by the PPA: to create modern, sustainable, and resilient port infrastructure and facilities, as well as to provide services that meet the needs of the public and other stakeholders, ensuring that port operations adhere to global best practices. We also aim to establish a port regulatory environment conducive to national development,” said Santiago.
Alongside the two MHCs, enhancements to the terminal facilities, information technology systems, and deployment of additional modern cargo handling equipment are also underway.
At present, a foreign vessel arrives weekly from China to Iloilo, with bi-monthly arrivals from Singapore. Additionally, foreign containerized vessels from Vietnam are expected to commence operations in the coming months.
From April to August, the terminal experienced a 16 percent increase in foreign vessel calls and a 79 percent rise in foreign cargo throughput.
During the same period, foreign containerized cargo also increased by 632 twenty-foot equivalent units.
“These new cranes, the largest and most modern in Panay Island, represent our commitment to pursue a culture of efficiency and advancement. The flexibility offered by these MHCs will allow us to deliver an immense improvement in service to our clients. By providing state-of-the-art resources, we are enabling our people to achieve results beyond the ordinary for the greater good of our stakeholders and the local economy,” said Christian Gonzalez, ICTSI executive vice president.
In a related development, ICTSI said in a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange yesterday it has purchased a 27-hectare property in Batangas which will be utilized for its expansion plans of its new 900-meter berth terminal.
The property is located in in Barangay San Roque and San Andres I, Municipality of Bauan, Province of Batangas, adjacent to ICTSI’s Bauan, Batangas property.
The property is part of ICTSI’s $800 million investment in providing a world-class port facility.
