MANILA's global terminal operator terminal operator International Container Terminal Services Inc (ICTSI) is investing PHP15 billion (US$287 million ) in developing Berth 8 at Manila International Container Terminal (MICT), which will be able to handle vessels of 18,000 TEU.
The berth to be developed over two phases will have 400 metre of berthing and 12 hectares of yard space, reports Colchester's Seatrade Maritime News.
'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 vice president Christian Gonzalez.
'Berth 8 will be a game-changer. 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 said.
Traditionally a regional port of call rather than serving mainline services the requirement to handle ultra-large containerships has not been necessary for MICT.
Berths 6 and 7 which came on stream in 2012 and 2014, respectively can handle neopanamax vessels of up to 15,500 TEU.
According to Mr Gonzalez, ICTSI is not obliged to build berth 8 under its contract with the Philippines Port Authority, but is doing so to become more competitive in the face of globally trade.
SeaNews Turkey
The berth to be developed over two phases will have 400 metre of berthing and 12 hectares of yard space, reports Colchester's Seatrade Maritime News.
'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 vice president Christian Gonzalez.
'Berth 8 will be a game-changer. 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 said.
Traditionally a regional port of call rather than serving mainline services the requirement to handle ultra-large containerships has not been necessary for MICT.
Berths 6 and 7 which came on stream in 2012 and 2014, respectively can handle neopanamax vessels of up to 15,500 TEU.
According to Mr Gonzalez, ICTSI is not obliged to build berth 8 under its contract with the Philippines Port Authority, but is doing so to become more competitive in the face of globally trade.
SeaNews Turkey