Visayas container terminal gears up to handle larger vessels

Visayas Container Terminal (VCT), International Container Terminal Services, Inc.’s (ICTSI) operation in Iloilo, Philippines, has undergone a significant transformation in just six months in preparation for the arrival of two new mobile harbour cranes (MHCs). Following the award of a 25-year concession by the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) in April, ICTSI continues to accelerate facility upgrades, IT system implementation and the deployment of other modern cargo handling equipment at VCT.

“VCT is a far cry from the terminal we took over six months ago. Not only have we upgraded the facilities, but we have also expanded our team to over 240 full-time employees, who receive ongoing training to ensure a first-class service. We are also continuing to expand our fleet of equipment, which includes upcoming MHCs and recently delivered reach stackers, chassis and forklifts, all part of our commitment to transform VCT into a world-class port,” said Timothee Jeannin, CEO of VCT.

Scheduled to arrive in the first week of September, the MHCs will enable VCT to handle new generation vessels and cope with increased volumes. The MHCs will be the largest and the first of their kind in Panay and in the entire Philippines’ Region 6. Dredging of the berths will also begin by the end of the month to increase draft capacity and prepare for the arrival of larger vessels.

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The VCT container station currently has 33 reefer containers, which will be doubled in the next two weeks in anticipation of increased demand for perishable goods and possible exports from Panay.

The container loading station is bustling with freight forwarders’ warehousing activities. VCT currently has five new reach stackers, two three-tonne forklifts, six forklifts, two sideloaders, one compact loader and one backhoe. Two five-tonne forklifts are also scheduled to arrive in September, followed by a 30-tonne forklift in the fourth quarter of 2024.

Other projects planned for this year include the rehabilitation of the container yard, improvement of engineering and office facilities, and the development of multipurpose and recreational spaces for employees. VCT has also launched initiatives such as the greening of the terminal, which aims to plant 100,000 trees and plants in the first year. Together with the ICTSI Foundation, VCT has partnered with local schools in Iloilo for training and development of potential manpower.

Expected to arrive in the first week of September, the MHCs will enable VCT to handle new generation vessels and cope with the increased volume

The transformation of the terminal would not be complete without the cooperation of trusted partners for container maintenance and repair, cross-docking and freight forwarding. These stakeholders act as key players in consolidating services for the Panay market and will continue to play a crucial role in the next phase of VCT’s development.

VCT is also currently working with the Philippine Port Authority – Iloilo to remove abandoned vessels and materials from the port vicinity in order to maximize space utilization.