The International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI) is modernizing the Iloilo Commercial Port Complex (ICPC) in Western Visayas, transforming it into a premier gateway for the region.
The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) has awarded ICTSI with a 25-year concession contract to develop and operate the Iloilo Commercial Port Complex (ICPC), the company announced Monday, January 29.
“Our comprehensive proposal outlines significant investments in infrastructure upgrades, cargo-handling equipment, and operational efficiency measures, all aimed at transforming the Iloilo Port into a premier gateway,” according to Christian R. Gonzalez, ICTSI executive vice president.
Already, ICTSI received PPA’s Notice of Award for its sole bid to operate the ICPC in accordance with PPA Administrative Order (AO) No. 03-2016 or the Port Terminal Management Regulatory Framework (PTMRF).
ICTSI will begin operations of the facility upon contract signing and PPA’s issuance of the Notice to Proceed.
Located at the heart of Iloilo City, ICPC serves the province of Iloilo and and the entire Panay Island, in Western Visayas of the Philippines.
It is located away from the older port facilities on the Southern coast of Panay Island, in Panay Gulf.
It is one of the country’s safest and most natural harbors with Guimaras Island shielding the port from storms and making it ideal for harboring ships and vessels.
Visayas Container Terminal (VCT), the future name of the facility after handover to ICTSI – is a critical gateway for trade in the Western Visayas.
However, capacity efficiency constraints have hampered its full potential. ICTSI’s involvement aims to tackle these challenges head-on, unlocking the port’s economic engine.
VCT has 627 meters of operational quay length and 20 hectares of land for container and general cargo storage, warehousing, and other cargo-handling activities.
Upon signing of the contract, ICTSI will focus on improving terminal productivity and service quality by investing in the development and rehabilitation of the terminal infrastructure and the deployment of cargo-handling equipment.
Former Senate President Franklin Drilon, a native of Iloilo, expressed bullishness about the PPA’s decision to grant a contract for the re-development of VCT to ICTSI.
“ICTSI is well-positioned to efficiently manage the ports and address the longstanding congestion issues which have deterred potential investors,” he noted.
Transforming VCT into a modern, world-class port facility and accommodating more domestic and international shipments will position Iloilo as a key driver of economic progress in the Philippines, Drilon concluded.
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