The continuous investment on infrastructure and equipment at the Manila International Container Terminal (MICT) is paying off as the container handling facility has recorded a record-breaking twenty-foot equivalent unit (TEUs) for the month of October, the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) said on Tuesday, Nov. 19.

PPA General Manager Jay Daniel Santiago said the 275,028 TEUs handled last month is a manifestation of the readiness of the MICT, the country’s sole dedicated container handling facility, for the peak holiday season.

The 275,028 TEUs reported last month include an all-time high of 147,935 TEUs in imports.

The MICT, which is operated by the International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI), has invested in the upgrades of the facility in partnership with the PPA. 

The recent upgrades at MICT include replacing two old quay cranes at Berths 3 and 4, and increasing the number of quay cranes at Berth 6 from five to six. In addition, ICTSI is developing Berth 8, which is projected to boost MICT’s annual capacity to 3.5 million TEUs by 2027. 

“These upgrades ensure our terminals are ready to handle not only the seasonal surge but also the long-term growth in trade. Investing in larger, more advanced cranes is aimed at enhancing the terminal’s ability to accommodate larger container vessels and meeting the growing market demand,” said Santiago. 

Amid the reported increase in TEU handling, Santiago said the October 2024 yard utilization at MICT remained stable at 77 percent, with gross crane productivity averaging 26 moves per hour, highlighting the terminal's efficiency.

To prevent artificial congestion, he said the PPA enforces a three- to five-day dwell time for containers, promoting timely removal to maintain optimal flow.Further reducing congestion risks is the faster truck serving times at MICT, which result from infrastructure and technology improvements at the terminals gates. 

“This, combined with coordination with local authorities of surrounding municipalities, helps streamline cargo movement in and out of the port, especially during high-demand periods,” said Santiago. 

The PPA also emphasized the role of public-private partnerships with major terminal operators in sustaining smooth operations. ICTSI’s management of MICT, NorthPort Terminal, and Manila Multipurpose Terminal, alongside Asian Terminals, Inc. (ATI) at the South Harbor Terminal, has improved Manila’s port efficiency through automation, real-time tracking, and infrastructure upgrades.

“These advancements have also enhanced vessel productivity by enabling timely docking, unloading and departure schedules,” said Santiago as he noted that the efficiency is particularly critical during the holiday season, when cargo volumes surge.

Santiago urged port users to schedule activities during off-peak hours to support uninterrupted operations throughout the busy season.

“With modern infrastructure and close collaboration among stakeholders, our port system is resilient and efficient, prepared to support the economy during the peak season and beyond,” he said.