Bataan facility up in ’16

SEASIA Nectar Port Services Inc. (SNPSI), a joint venture between Seasia Logistic Philippines Inc. and British firm Nectar Group Ltd., has started the construction of a P813-million dry bulk terminal in Bataan, which is seen to attract more foreign firms and offer more opportunities to locators within the Freeport Area of Bataan (FAB).

“The presence of SNPSI would help in attracting more investors to locate at the FAB, as costs of shipment would be reduced. This project gives us confidence to market ourselves to other kinds of industries worldwide,” said Deogracias Custodio, administrator of the Freeport Area of Bataan.

SNPSI chair Ramon Atayde said the 11.4-hectare Mariveles Dry Bulk Terminal, which is expected to be completed by 2016, was designed to handle shipments of coal, clinker, silica sand and other cement raw materials, steel, fertilizer and other dry bulk cargo. SNPSI will also build facilities for warehousing, stevedoring, lightering and towing of cargo.

The construction of the terminal will be done in three phases. The first phase covered the development of a 5.9-hectare port facility with a 247-meter quay and a 13.5-meter draft. Phase 1 can accommodate two vessels of about 120 meters long each, or one supramax/panama vessel, as well as handle at least 3 million tons of cargo per year.

The second and third phases will expand the bulk terminal to accommodate another two vessels or one supramax/panama vessel.
Atayde also made an assurance that the port would be built and operated according to international health, safety and environmental standards of clients.

“We will ensure that the facility will meet the clients’ standards and employ efficient and proper cargo handling methods to avoid any impact to the environment,” Atayde said.

This year, the freeport wants to attract at least P84 billion worth of projects to match last year’s investment approvals.