The Manila International Container Terminal (MICT) is well-prepared to handle an expected surge in cargo volume during the peak holiday season, according to the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA). The state-run port authority said the MICT, operated by International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI), processed 275,028 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in October, underscoring the terminal’s readiness for the busy season ahead.
PPA general manager Jay Daniel Santiago credited the successful handling of October’s cargo to the strong partnership between the PPA and ICTSI, which has continued to invest in modernizing port infrastructure. Recent upgrades at MICT include the replacement of two older quay cranes at Berths 3 and 4 and the addition of a sixth crane at Berth 6, increasing the terminal’s capacity to accommodate larger vessels.
“These upgrades ensure our terminals are ready to handle not only the seasonal surge but also the long-term growth in trade,” said Santiago.
ICTSI’s investments are also focused on expanding capacity. The company is currently developing Berth 8, which is expected to boost MICT’s annual capacity to 3.5 million TEUs by 2027. In the meantime, the terminal’s operational efficiency continues to impress, with yard utilization in October remaining stable at 77 percent, and crane productivity averaging 26 moves per hour.
The PPA has implemented measures to prevent congestion, including enforcing a three- to five-day dwell time for containers to maintain optimal flow. Santiago emphasized the importance of timely container removal, stating, “Ports are designed to move goods efficiently—not serve as storage.”
In addition to infrastructure upgrades, ICTSI has enhanced truck turnaround times with improvements to terminal gates, supported by better coordination with local authorities to streamline cargo movement in and out of the port. These efforts aim to mitigate congestion risks during the high-demand holiday period.
Santiago also stressed the importance of public-private partnerships in maintaining smooth port operations. ICTSI’s management of multiple terminals, including MICT, NorthPort Terminal, and Manila Multipurpose Terminal, alongside Asian Terminals, Inc. (ATI) at the South Harbor Terminal, has led to improvements in automation, real-time tracking, and infrastructure. These advances have helped optimize vessel productivity by ensuring timely docking, unloading, and departure.
With a well-oiled system in place, Santiago called on port users to schedule operations during off-peak hours to further enhance efficiency during the busy season. “With modern infrastructure and close collaboration among stakeholders, our port system is resilient and efficient, prepared to support the economy during the peak season and beyond,” he said.
