Philippine port operator International Container Terminal Services (ICTSI) has announced an extensive modernization program of its infrastructure worldwide.
Following a record profit of $850 million (€777 million) last year, the company plans to invest €532 million in terminals worldwide in 2025.
Projects in the Philippines
In the Philippines, construction of the Luzon International Container Terminal (LICT) in Bauan, Batangas, will begin in the second quarter. The terminal will be able to handle over 2 million TEU per year and will have a 900 m long quay wall. The installation of at least eight ship-to-shore gantry cranes is planned. The $800 million (€732 million) terminal is scheduled for completion by 2028 and will be the largest privately financed maritime terminal investment in the Philippines.
In addition, around €92 million is being invested in the expansion of the Mindanao International Container Terminal in Cagayan de Oro. The subsidiary MICTSI, operator of the port of Misamis Oriental, received a 25-year concession extension until 2058. 300 m of berth extension, new infrastructure and modern port facilities are planned in order to increase the current capacity of 350,000 TEU.
The Manila International Container Terminal (MICT) is also being modernized. The construction of a new berth (Berth 8) will increase capacity to 3.5 million TEU. Sustainable technologies such as low-emission cranes and electric trucks as well as the automation and digitalization of processes are intended to improve efficiency and sustainability. New gate systems, tracking tools and terminal vehicles optimize handling and significantly reduce truck dwell times and CO₂ emissions.
Modernization of port infrastructure abroad
ICTSI is modernizing the Matadi Gateway Terminal (MGT) in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). A 2.65 km long road connection is to improve the link to the national highway network. The first 1.75 km phase was completed in 2024, the second phase started last month. The optimized road connection will reduce container idle times and speed up cargo deliveries. Matadi remains the most important port for the booming metropolis of Kinshasa and its hinterland.
In Mexico, the Phase 3 expansion of the Contecon Manzanillo Terminal will increase capacity to over 2 million TEU. The expansion includes a 400 m long quay wall, new Super Post Panamax cranes and larger storage areas for reefer containers. With an investment of €211 million, Manzanillo will be further strengthened as Mexico’s most important Pacific terminal and over 600 new jobs will be created.
The Rio Brasil Terminal in Rio de Janeiro is also being modernized. ICTSI is investing in new handling equipment for faster container handling and is focusing on environmentally friendly technologies to reduce emissions. At the same time, the digitalization of operational processes is being driven forward in order to further improve efficiency and sustainability. (rup)
