The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) said the Manila International Container Terminal (MICT) is ready to accommodate the anticipated increase in cargo volume during the peak holiday season.
The state-run port authority said MICT, operated by International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI), handled 275,028 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in October 2024, underscoring its preparedness for the peak holiday season.
The PPA attributed the accomplishment to its partnership with ICTSI and the latter’s continued investments in infrastructure and equipment.
Recent upgrades at MICT include replacing two old quay cranes at Berths 3 and 4, and increasing the number of quay cranes at Berth 6 from five to six.
Investing in larger, more advanced cranes is aimed at enhancing the terminal’s ability to accommodate larger container vessels and meeting the growing market demand.
ICTSI is also developing Berth 8, which is projected to boost MICT’s annual capacity to 3.5 million TEUs by 2027.
“These upgrades ensure our terminals are ready to handle not only the seasonal surge but also the long-term growth in trade,” said PPA general manager Jay Daniel Santiago.
Santiago lauded ICTSI for its proactive measures in managing seasonal demand. October’s yard utilization at MICT remained stable at 77 percent, with gross crane productivity averaging 26 moves per hour, highlighting the terminal’s efficiency.
To prevent artificial congestion, the PPA enforces a three- to five-day dwell time for containers, promoting timely removal to maintain optimal flow.
“Ports are designed to move goods efficiently—not serve as storage,” Santiago said.
Further reducing congestion risks is the faster truck serving times at MICT, which result from infrastructure and technology improvements at the terminals gates. This, combined with coordination with local authorities of surrounding municipalities, helps streamline cargo movement in and out of the port, especially during high-demand periods.
The PPA also noted the role of public-private partnerships with major terminal operators in sustaining smooth operations.
ICTSI’s management of MICT, NorthPort Terminal and Manila Multipurpose Terminal, alongside Asian Terminals, Inc. (ATI) at the South Harbor Terminal, improved Manila’s port efficiency through automation, real-time tracking and infrastructure upgrades.
These advancements have also enhanced vessel productivity by enabling timely docking, unloading and departure schedules.
Santiago said this efficiency is particularly critical during the holiday season, when cargo volumes surge.
Santiago urged port users to schedule activities during off-peak hours to support uninterrupted operations throughout 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.
