BY GEROME DALIPE IV
ILOILO City – To enhance its operations, the Visayas Container Terminal (VCT) has announced it will tap local workers and contractors in its facility in Barangay Loboc, La Paz district.
VCT, a subsidiary of International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI), believes harnessing local resources will help both support economic activity and foster community development.
“We are proud to spearhead the transformation of the Iloilo Commercial Port Complex into a world-class maritime facility. At the same time, we are grateful for the opportunity to spur economic activity in the Visayas region and elevate the local communities that host our operations,” Timothee Jeannin, VCT executive director, said in a statement.
The VCT is making progress towards transforming the port complex into a more competitive and efficient trade gateway for Western Visayas.
Since commencing commercial operations on April 1, VCT has steadily enhanced the terminal’s infrastructure and productivity to position Iloilo port as a key player in the region’s maritime trade.
The terminal has serviced some 40 vessels, including container ships, Ro-Ro, and bulk carriers, mirroring the increased efficiency that underscores ICTSI’s global standard of port operation.
“Our operations are off to a good start thanks to the great team we have here at VCT. Everyone worked tirelessly to get everything up and running, including the renovation of the terminal’s facilities, and set up of the systems needed to run the terminal within our desired standards,” said Jeannin.
The VCT owned by International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI) has started rehabilitating the old. The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) had issued a notice to proceed with the P10.53-billion containerized VCT.
The Razon-led port operator confirmed on April 15 that it received the notice to proceed with the port development from the PPA and the Office of the Government Corporate Counsel (OGCC).
ICTSI has secured the 25-year concession to develop and manage the VCT with a total project cost of over P10.5 billion.
“This 25-year concession strengthens ICTSI’s presence in the Philippines and will unlock the economic potential of the Western Visayas region,” ICTSI said.
In a statement, the ICTSI said it 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.
VCT serves as a vital gateway for the province of Iloilo, the entire Panay Island, and the wider Western Visayas region.
“Customers can expect more improvements as we continue to deploy more equipment and complete the rest of the terminal upgrades in less than two months,” said Jeannin.
VCT currently operates with five reach stackers, four trailers, and three prime movers. Additional equipment is set to arrive within the coming weeks, including five empty container handlers, 12 prime movers, and 12 trailers.
It plans to deploy two mobile harbor cranes in September to further boost vessel operations. The terminal also looks to improve its bulk operations by investing in new bagging machines, clamshells, and additional mobile equipment for bulk cargo.
VCT also targets to complete the construction of its reefer stacks by August to cater to refrigerated cargo.
The port operator also aims to complete of the construction of its reefer stacks by August. The facility will have an initial capacity of 40 plugs, which will be increased based on demand.
Besides fast-tracking the remaining works at the terminal, VCT is negotiating possible opportunities and connections with domestic and international shipping lines services to and from Iloilo.
“Making Iloilo port more competitive will enable the port to attract a wider range of shipping lines and unlock more cargo destinations for the Western Visayas trade,” stressed Jeannin.
VCT said that its commitment to the province of Iloilo goes beyond enhancing the local logistics chain and providing opportunities for the industries in Western Visayas.
The ICTSI subsidiary also aims to empower its host communities by prioritizing local hiring and engaging local contractors. By harnessing local talent and resources, VCT looks to support economic activity and foster community development.
“We are proud to spearhead the transformation of the Iloilo Commercial Port Complex into a world-class maritime facility. At the same time, we are grateful for the opportunity to spur economic activity in the Visayas region and elevate the local communities that host our operations,” said Jeannin.
Visayas Container Terminal is ICTSI’s first operation in Central Philippines. The Philippine Ports Authority granted ICTSI a 25-year concession to operate and develop the Iloilo port complex into a modern, efficient, and world-class trade gateway./PN
