THE Manila International Container Terminal's (MICT) expansion of Berth 8 will increase the terminal capacity from 3.3 million TEU to 3.5 million TEU and enable it to handle larger ships, reports The Manila Times.
Catherine Esto, acting port manager of Port Management Office (PMO) National Capital Region (NCR) South, said International Container Terminal Services Inc (ICTSI) continues to expand MICT above its contractual commitment with the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA).
"One of the projects of ICTSI is the expansion of MICT's Berth 8 with a design depth of 15 metres and the construction of a 12-hectare backup area. This expansion project brings an additional 200,000 TEU capacity and will enable the port to accommodate a new generation of foreign vessels that can carry up to 18,000 TEU.
"Phase one of Berth 8, which involves the construction of a backup area, is already complete. Currently, the phase 2 expansion is undergoing preparatory works," Ms Esto said.
The terminal's capacity will be increased to 3.5 million TEU to solve the increasing cargo volume. Berth 8 will add a total of 400 metres of quay and up to 12 hectares of yard area in phases. Along with port equipment, the expansion is estimated to cost PHp15 billion (US$269 million). Water alongside will be dredged to a depth of 13.5 metres with further deepening to 15 metres draft.
ICTSI executive vice president Christian Gonzalez said the added capacity enables MICT to stay ahead of demand and address the steadily increasing volume.
"Berth 8 will be a game-changer because it will take Manila's port capabilities to a whole new level with the ability to handle larger capacity ships and the additional volume that comes with them."
The full build, including Berths 6 and 7, and combined with the 1,300 metres of Berths 1 to 5, will give MICT a total berth length of 2,300 metres and expand the MICT berthing and total capacities by 21 per cent and 25 per cent, respectively.
Berths 6 and 7 can accommodate Neo-Panamax vessels with maximum capacities of up to 15,500 TEU. The two berths are currently equipped with five quay cranes but are designed to operate with six.
The sixth quay crane is scheduled for delivery in July 2023, along with two other quay cranes for Berth 4. On completion, Berth 8 will be equipped with at least four quay cranes, two of which will be delivered in 2025.
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