Following claims made by Maersk’s intra-Asia subsidiary, MCC Transport, that congestion at the Port of Manila is causing its vessels to be delayed by around 12 days, the Philippine government is now considering plans to build an offshore container terminal at the Sangley Point region of the country’s capital.
The new project will span three artificial islands – totalling 2,000ha – across Manila Bay: one will be used for a container and liquid-bulk port, another will be used for an airport facility and the last will be used as a logistics and light manufacturing zone, according to The Loadstar.
The project will be conducted by the All-Asia Reclamation and Resources Corporation, which is a partnership, comprised of international groups and local firms, including HHLA, a German terminal operator.
The Loadstar reported the chief operating officer of the All-Asia Reclamation and Resources Corporation, Rommel Gavieta, as saying that the project is estimated to cost somewhere in the region of US$30 billion.
Approval now rests on the National Economic and Development Authority.
Rommel Gavieta said: “From the day that we sign with the government, it will take two-to-three years to reclaim the land and another two-to-three years to build the facilities.”
Congestion at the Port of Manila has been growing for sometime, with the Philippine Department of Trade and Industry making the first call to action for the port to expand on its existing services.
