International Container Terminal Services (ICTSI) is expanding the capacity of its flagship Manila International Container Terminal (MICT) with the ongoing development of berth 8.
The construction of the new berth, which will be done in two phases, is anticipated to allow MICT to handle increasing volume demand and serve efficiently container ships with a carrying capacity of up to 18,000 TEU.
"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,” commented Christian R. Gonzalez, ICTSI executive vice president.
Currently under design, berth 8 is projected to add a total of 400 meters quay and up to 120,000m² of yard area in phases, while water alongside will be initially dredged to a depth of 13.5 meters with potential further deepening to 15 meters draft.
On completion, the berth will be equipped with at least four quay cranes, two of which will be delivered in 2025 and will be the largest in the terminal and in the country, according to the ICTSI.
Additionally, eight new hybrid rubber tyred gantry (RTG) cranes are scheduled to be deployed in March, to increase the terminal’s hybrid fleet to 40 units.
Along with port equipment, the expansion of the Philippinian terminal is estimated to cost US$287.27 million (P15 billion), according to a statement.
Aside from the construction of berth 8, the Manila-headquartered terminal operator has commenced the modernisation of berths 1 to 5 and their backup and yard areas in MICT, with the installation of additional reefer racks by April to accommodate approximately 300 TEU of reefer cargo.
The full build, including berths 6 and 7 and combined with the 1,300 meters of berths 1 – 5, will give MICT a total berth length of 2,300 meters and expand the MICT berthing and total capacities by 2% and 25%, respectively.
Aside from building infrastructure and acquiring new port equipment, ICTSI has also been investing in technology to increase the efficiency and productivity of its flagship operation.
