Aquino inaugurates $200M Manila container terminal berth

President Benigno Aquino III

MANILA, Philippines—President Aquino on Thursday graced the inauguration of $200-million shipping berth, envisioned to become by next year the single most advanced and productive berth in the country.

Aquino and International Container Terminal Services, Inc., chairman and president Enrique Razon led the inauguration of Berth Six of the Manila International Container Terminal (MICT).

“This new berth has been completed at the most opportune time. With the country attracting more foreign investments than ever, we now have added capacity to quickly and efficiently move cargo,” Razon said in his remarks during the ceremonies.

“With an investment of $200 million, this new berth will enable the seamless facilitation of the country’s growing global trade in the next few years,” he added.

Razon said that despite the ICTSI’s expansion overseas, “we remain bullish on the Philippines and it will always be our priority.” He indicated that another berth, MICT’s Berth Seven, is also underway to accommodate more cargo.

The businessman, in his welcome remarks, cited the 6.4-percent economic growth rate the Philippines registered in the first quarter amid “a period of economic contraction across the globe.”

“And when the time comes for even brisker Philippine trade, the MICT will be ready with Berth Seven,” Razon said.

Christian Gonzalez, ICTSI vice president and MICT general manager, said Berth Six has added 300 meters of berth space and 12 hectares of container yard to the existing terminal.

“The new berth will be equipped with two post-Panamax twin lift quay cranes and 10 rubber-tired gantries,” Gonzalez said.

“Another quay crane is scheduled for delivery in February next year. This will make Berth Six the single most advanced and productive berth for the country,” he added.

According to Malacañang, MICT now has 1,600 meters of berth that can accommodate five to seven container vessels at any time with the operation of Berth Six.

Among the officials that joined President Aquino during the inauguration were Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim, Transportation Secretary Manuel Roxas II and Philippine Ports Authority general manager Juan Sta. Ana.