The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) has awarded International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI) a 25-year concession contract to develop and operate the Iloilo Commercial Port Complex (ICPC) in Western Visayas.
ICTSI received a Notice of Award for its sole bid to operate the ICPC in accordance with PPA Administrative Order (AO) No. 03-2016 or the Port Terminal Management Regulatory Framework (PTMRF).
The company will begin operations of the facility upon contract signing and PPA’s issuance of the Notice to Proceed.
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Located at the heart of Iloilo City, ICPC serves the province of Iloilo and the entire Panay Island, in Western Visayas of the Philippines. Visayas Container Terminal (VCT), the future name of the facility after handover to ICTSI – is a critical gateway for trade in the Western Visayas.
As capacity efficiency constraints have reportedly hampered its full potential, ICTSI’s involvement aims to tackle these challenges head-on, unlocking the port’s economic engine.
VCT has 627 metres 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.
Christian R. Gonzalez, ICTSI Executive Vice President, said: “We are elated and grateful to be entrusted with the redevelopment of the Iloilo Port.
“We recognise the port’s pivotal role in driving Iloilo’s economic and social growth. 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.”
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Former Senate President, Franklin Drilon, said: “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.”
In November 2023, Operadora Portuaria Centroamericana (OPC), ICTSI’s Honduran subsidiary based in Puerto Cortés, achieved Great Place to Work’s recognition in Honduras.
More recently, ICTSI committed to achieving net zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions for its Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2050.
