The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) has approved a USD300 million senior unsecured corporate loan to International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI), marking its first non-sovereign-backed deal in the Philippines and signaling rising investor confidence in the country’s logistics infrastructure.
The financing will fund the expansion and modernization of three strategic terminals: Manila International Container Terminal (MICT), South Luzon Container Terminal (SLCT) in Batangas, and Mindanao Container Terminal (MCT).
Together, the projects are expected to significantly raise container-handling capacity, enhance berth productivity, and strengthen inter-island and international trade flows amid growing regional supply chain competition.
Under the agreement, ICTSI will deploy technology-driven infrastructure upgrades, including automation systems, energy-efficient equipment, fully electric quay cranes, and replacement of diesel-powered yard machines, aligning the expansion with emissions reduction targets and global decarbonization goals.
Once completed, MICT is projected to reach 3.7 million TEUs by 2027, MCT around 1 million TEUs by 2028, and SLCT up to 800,000 TEUs by 2028, collectively boosting the Philippines’ port capacity and trade resilience.
“This transaction reflects our strategy of partnering with globally scaled operators capable of delivering measurable infrastructure impact,” said AIIb president Zou Jiayi. “We are proud to support sustainable logistics development through innovative financing solutions.”
ICTSI chairman and president Enrique K. Razon Jr. said the partnership reinforces the company’s long-term expansion and sustainability agenda. “By modernizing our terminals, we are creating value, promoting responsible operations, and ensuring inclusive growth for the communities we serve,” he said.
The deal positions Philippine ports for a new phase of modernization, blending capacity expansion with greener operations to support the country’s growing role in regional trade networks. Analysts say the move signals confidence in the Philippines as a logistics hub while promoting environmentally conscious infrastructure growth.
