International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI) said Monday it secured a 25-year concession to develop and operate the Iloilo Commercial Port Complex (ICPC) in Western Visayas.
The Razon-led port operator received a notice of award from the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) to operate the ICPC in accordance with PPA Administrative Order 03-2016 or the Port Terminal Management Regulatory Framework (PTMRF).
Contract signing follows the issuance of the notice to proceed.
“We are elated and grateful to be entrusted with the redevelopment of the Iloilo Port. We recognize the port’s pivotal role in driving Iloilo’s economic and social growth,” Christian R. Gonzalez, ICTSI executive vice president, said.
“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,” he added.
Located at the heart of Iloilo City, ICPC serves the province of Iloilo and the entire Panay Island in Western Visayas.
The Visayas Container Terminal (VCT), the future name of the facility after handover to ICTSI – is a critical gateway for trade in Western Visayas. However, capacity efficiency constraints have hampered its full potential. The ICTSI’s involvement looks to tackle these challenges head-on to invigorate 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 award a contract for the re-development of VCT into ICTSI: “With its impressive track record, ICTSI is well-positioned to efficiently manage the ports and address the longstanding congestion issues plaguing our ports, which have deterred potential investors. The decision to partner with ICTSI is a significant step forward in transforming VCT into a modern, world-class port facility and accommodating more domestic and international shipments. This will position Iloilo as a key driver of economic progress in the Philippines.”
Gonzalez said: “We extend our sincere gratitude to the Iloilo stakeholders and officials, particularly, Governor Arthur Defensor and Mayor Jerry Trenas and former Senator Franklin Drilon, who believe in ICTSI’s vision for the Visayas Container Terminal. This is our first project in the Visayas and, as with all our projects, we will do all to make this a success and make Iloilo key to improving the country’s supply chain and competitiveness in global trade.”
