The International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI) is confident that under its helm, the Visayas Container Terminal (VCT) will become a key player in maritime trade in the Central Visayas region.

In January this year, the ICTSI was awarded a 25-year concession contract to operate and modernize the VCT, previously named the Iloilo Commercial Port Complex (ICPC). The firm was the sole bidder for the project.

ICTSI received the Notice to Proceed for the VCT from the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) on April 15 after a review by the PPA and Office of the Government Corporate Counsel (OGCC).

Since it begun operations on April 1, VCT has already serviced around 40 vessels icluding bulk carriers, container ships, and Ro-Ros.

It is equipped with five reach stackers, four trailers and three prime movers, with more equipment expected to arrive in the coming weeks such as five empty container handlers, 12 prime movers and 12 trailers. In September, two mobile harbor cranes will be deployed to suppor vessel operations.

“Our operations are off to a good start thanks to the great team that we have here at VCT. Everyone worked tirelessly to get everything up and running, including the renovation of the terminal’s facilities, and set up of the systems needed to run the terminal within our desired standards. Customers can expect more improvements as we continue to deploy more equipment and complete the rest of the terminal upgrades in less than two months,” said VCT Executive Director Timothee Jeannin.

To improve operations, the VCT is also eyeing investments in new bagging machines, clamshells and mobile equipment for bulk cargo, and completion of 40 plug capacity-reefer stacks by August for registrated cargo.

 In terms of partnerships, the VCT is also working to make partnerships with both foreign and domestic shipping line services to and from Iloilo, as well as help the Iloilo community through local hiring for employees and connecting with local contractors.

“We are proud to spearhead the transformation of the Iloilo Commercial Port Complex into a world-class maritime facility. At the same time, we are grateful for the opportunity to spur economic activity in the Visayas region and elevate the local communities that host our operations,” said Jeannin.