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International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI) has received a nod from the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) to further expand its Manila flagship terminal.
The capacity improvements at the company’s Manila International Container Terminal (MICT) include the first phase construction of Berths 7 and 8, set to begin on October 15. The second phase, to begin in February 19, which is pending final approvals, would add full back up area for the future berths 9 and 10, according to ICTSI.
The berth expansion, all with a controlling depth of 13.5 to 14.5 meters, “will further strengthen MICT’s capacity to service the world’s larger box ships and the increasing volume that comes with them,” Christian R. Gonzalez, ICTSI Global Corporate Head, explained.
Along with the berth expansion will be the addition of yard space with the construction of the back-up area for berths 9 and 10. Once completed, the additional area is expected to provide the terminal substantial flexibility to deal with the increasing impact of weather related issues and changes in the regulatory environment.
Furthermore, complementing the capacity improvements are the upcoming arrivals of 16 new rubber-tired gantries (RTG) in 2019, with the first eight RTGs available by April next year. At the quay, two more super post Panamax quay cranes are expected to be delivered by next year.
The construction of berth 7 is part of ICTSI’s contractual obligations to upgrade, expand and develop the MICT under its 25 contract with the PPA. For 2018 alone, the ICTSI Group has allocated more than USD 380 million for capital expenditure, including the expansion of the Manila flagship.
—World Maritime News
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