International Container Terminal Services (ICTSI’s) dry port unit, Laguna Gateway Inland Container Terminal (LGICT), recently broke ground to start the expansion of new facilities which include extended and dedicated storage areas for loaded and empty containers, a runway for rubber-tyred gantries (RTG), and container care facilities as it primes the Laguna dry port for the revival of intermodal freight transport in the Philippines.
Christian R. Gonzalez, Vice President and Head of the Asia-Pacific region at ICTSI, said: “It is a great aspiration that we have, not only to see this develop as an inland container terminal in today’s form, but also as an inland container terminal connected by rail to the country’s premier port in its future form.
“I think this ambition that we have is something that requires congratulations at this point. Obviously, with all the hard work from all of us and help of the government, we will make this a reality in the coming years.”
Gonzalez added: “Once everybody starts using LGICT, we can expect even better productivity levels at Manila International Container Terminal’s. Most importantly, the whole economy will benefit from this project.”
The dry port’s current annual capacity of 250,000 TEU effectively increases MICT’s capacity by 10%. LGICT will help lower MICT’s import inventory, average import dwell time and laden yard utilization by offering storage services to clients in southern Luzon.
As a regional logistics hub, LGICT will provide logistical support to manufacturers, importers and exporters at the economic zones within the Calabarzon area by reducing truck turnaround time and accelerating trade movement. It offers both short-term and long-term storage options as well as a transport service to and from MICT.
On full development, the dry port will have an area of 21 ha and will include facilities for reefer containers, truck holding areas, a fuel station, a rail workshop and container freight stations. For its equipment fleet, on order are RTGs, side lifters, prime mover trucks and additional reach stackers.
