INTERNATIONAL Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI) said Wednesday that its $800-million new international container terminal in Bauan, Batangas, which will have the capability to handle mega ships, was expected to be completed by 2028. The global port operator, owned by billionaire Enrique Razon Jr., said in a statement that design and engineering studies for the Luzon International Container Terminal (LICT) were currently underway, with construction set to begin in early 2025. Beyond expanding capacity, the LICT is expected to support the Philippines' renewable energy goals, particularly in Southern Luzon. With the country shifting toward cleaner energy, the new terminal will meet growing demand for efficient and eco-friendly marine handling solutions in the region, ICTSI said. The project, set to become the country's second-largest container facility after the Manila International Container Terminal (MICT), will follow environmental guidelines to minimize disruption to the local ecosystem. Upon completion, the terminal will feature a 900-meter quay and at least eight ship-to-shore gantry cranes with an estimated capacity of over two million TEUs per annum. "We're proud to drive positive change at home by developing a world-class port capable of handling the largest container vessels. This boosts our capacity and helps lead the shift toward a more sustainable shipping industry," said Nathan Clarke, ICTSI vice president and head of global engineering for infrastructure and project delivery. "Our new Bauan terminal's ability to accommodate large ships sets it apart and positions us as a leader in efficient and eco-conscious trade. At the end of the day, if a terminal is unable to handle larger vessels, it's also unable to fully embrace the new technologies leading to a sustainable future," he added. The use of mega ships was said to be a growing global trend aimed at increasing efficiency and reducing environmental impact, as larger vessels can carry significantly more cargo. By helping reduce the number of vessels at sea, fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions will drop, and there will be less congestion on shipping routes. Ultra-large container ships carrying more than 20,000 containers emit less carbon per container compared to smaller vessels, ICTSI said, making these a more sustainable option for global trade. ICTSI also said that its sustainability track record, seen in its 36-year operation of MICT, would serve as the foundation for the Bauan terminal. Initiatives such as advanced waste and water management systems, circular economy practices, biodiversity conservation programs, and decarbonization efforts have been implemented over the years, the company claimed. The LICT, ICTSI said, represents its commitment to innovation and sustainability. The facility is expected to strengthen the Philippines' position in global trade and serve as a model for sustainable shipping. The project will show that progress and environmental protection can go hand in hand, setting a standard for the future of the maritime industry, ICTSI said. ICTSI shares rose 0.05 percent to P407.20 each on Wednesday.
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