By Mariela Angella Oladive
The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) has officially handed over the management of the Iloilo Commercial Port Complex (ICPC) to Visayas Container Terminal (VCT), a subsidiary of International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI), on Monday, May 6.
This transition follows ICTSI’s successful 25-year operational bid for the port, announced earlier in January.
Since commencing commercial operations on April 1, VCT has serviced 40 vessels, including containerships, roll-on/roll-off (RoRo), and bulk carriers, according to an ICTSI statement.
Present at the turnover were Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas; Mikkel Puyat, ICTSI Commercial Director – Philippine Cluster; Timothee Jeannin, VCT Executive Director; Allan Rojo, Port Manager of the Port Management Office Panay/Guimaras; and Herbert Navarro, PPA Division Director.
Mayor Treñas underscored the importance of this transition on Facebook, noting that it is expected to stimulate economic growth and enhance the city’s logistics infrastructure.
This development is crucial for supporting local businesses and boosting trade connectivity in the Visayas region.
ICTSI has committed to improving terminal productivity and service quality by investing in the development and rehabilitation of the ICPC’s infrastructure. This includes the deployment of new cargo-handling equipment and the upgrading of existing facilities to meet modern standards.
With the 25-year contract awarded by the PPA, ICTSI is set to implement a comprehensive development plan for the port, aiming to enhance operational efficiency, reduce vessel turnaround times, and provide a seamless experience for shipping lines and other port users.
The handover highlights the increasing role of the private sector in managing significant infrastructure projects in the Philippines and aligns with the government’s goal to expand the country’s port capacity and promote regional economic development.
The partnership among the Iloilo City Government, PPA, and ICTSI is anticipated to yield long-term benefits for the city and the surrounding areas, reinforcing Iloilo’s status as a vital trade hub in the Visayas.
The ceremony was attended by key stakeholders, including officers from PPA, VCT, and ICTSI, as well as representatives from Iloilo’s industries and the shipping line SITC.
