ICTSI cleared for Visayas Container Terminal development

International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI) has received regulatory approvals to operate and develop the Visayas Container Terminal (VCT), the international seaport of Iloilo City in central Philippines.

The Manila-based company said that the 25-year concession strengthens its presence in the Philippines and that it will unlock the economic potential of the Western Visayas region.

The concession to develop and operate the Iloilo Commercial Port Complex (ICPC) in Western Visayas was awarded in January 2024. ICTSI has since rebranded the facility as the Visayas Container Terminal (VCT).

The notice to proceed with the development was issued on April 15, following a review by the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) and the Office of the Government Corporate Counsel (OGCC).

For ICTSI, which operates many facilities in the Philippines, VCT is its first project in Visayas. The port operator plans to 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. ICTSI said that new reach stackers (pictured left), produced by Konecranes, are set to arrive at the terminal as part of its ongoing modernization program.

“The Visayas Container Terminal (VCT) is poised to become a catalyst for Iloilo’s economic and social growth. We’re thrilled to begin operations and transform the Iloilo Port into a world-class gateway for the Central Philippines. Our significant investments in modern infrastructure, cargo-handling equipment, and operational efficiency will drive this transformation,” Christian R. Gonzalez, ICTSI executive vice president, said.

Strategically located VCT serves as a vital gateway for the province of Iloilo, the entire Panay Island, and the wider Western Visayas region. The seaport handles a current volume of 100,000 TEU and 2 million metric tons of non-containerized cargo annually. It features 627 meters of operational quay length and 20 hectares of land dedicated to container and general cargo storage, warehousing, and other cargo-handling activities.

While the seaport plays a crucial role in regional trade, capacity, and efficiency constraints have held back its full potential. Moving forward, ICTSI wants to transform the port, addressing these challenges and unlocking its economic benefits.

As disclosed, the port will be operated exclusively to serve foreign vessels and cargoes, with a provision for domestic vessels and cargoes in the initial five years.