The Visayas Container Terminal (VCT), operated by International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI), is helping transform the Iloilo Commercial Port Complex (ICPC) into a more competitive and efficient trade gateway for Western Visayas.
Since commencing commercial operations on 1 April, VCT enhanced the terminal’s infrastructure and productivity and has effectively positioned ICPC as a key player in the region’s maritime trade.
The terminal has serviced some 40 vessels, including container ships, Ro-Ro and bulk carriers, mirroring the increased efficiency that underscores ICTSI’s global standard of port operations.
“Our operations are off to a good start, thanks, to the great team that we have here at VCT. Everyone worked tirelessly to get everything up and running, including the renovation of the terminal’s facilities, and the set up of systems needed to run the terminal within our desired standards,” Timothee Jeannin, VCT executive director, said.
“Customers can expect more improvements as we continue to deploy more equipment and complete the rest of the terminal upgrades in less than two months,” he added.
VCT operates five reach stackers, four trailers and three prime movers. Additional equipment is set to arrive within the coming weeks, including five empty container handlers, 12 prime movers and 12 trailers.
VCT will deploy two mobile harbor cranes in September to further boost vessel operations. The terminal also looks to improve its bulk operations by investing in new bagging machines, clamshells and additional mobile equipment for bulk cargo.
Catering to refrigerated cargo, VCT looks to complete the construction of its reefer stacks by August. The facility will have an initial capacity of 40 plugs, which will be increased accordingly based on demand.
Besides fast-tracking the remaining works at the terminal, VCT is negotiating possible opportunities and connections with both domestic and international shipping line services to and from Iloilo. Making ICPC more competitive will enable the port to attract a wider range of shipping lines and unlock more cargo destinations for the Western Visayas trade.
“We are proud to spearhead the transformation of the Iloilo Commercial Port Complex into a world-class maritime facility. At the same time, we are grateful for the opportunity to spur economic activity in the Visayas region and elevate the local communities that host our operations,” Jeannin said.
