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The Manila International Container Terminal (MICT) has achieved a historic milestone, handling 275,028 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in October—the highest monthly volume ever recorded at the terminal.
This surge, driven by a significant increase in foreign trade, includes a record 147,935 TEUs in imports as consumer demand intensifies ahead of the holiday season.
Operated by International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI), MICT’s performance underscores its readiness for the peak shipping period, according to Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) General Manager Jay Daniel Santiago.
He cited the recent infrastructure upgrades that enhance the terminal’s operational efficiency, ensuring smooth cargo flow even during high-demand periods.
The investments include the replacement of aging quay cranes at Berths 3 and 4 and the addition of a sixth crane at Berth 6 to accommodate larger vessels. ICTSI is also developing Berth 8, a project expected to increase MICT’s annual capacity to 3.5 million TEUs by 2027, further positioning the terminal to handle sustained growth in trade volumes.
“These upgrades ensure our terminals are ready to handle not only the seasonal surge but also the long-term growth in trade,” Santiago said.
Despite the record-breaking throughput, MICT maintained stable operations, with yard utilization at a manageable 77 percent and gross crane productivity averaging 26 moves per hour. Santiago noted that efficiency at the terminal has been supported by a strict three- to five-day dwell time policy, ensuring that containers move out promptly to prevent congestion.
“Ports are designed to move goods efficiently–not serve as storage.”
Enhanced truck turnaround times, enabled by infrastructure improvements and coordination with local government units, have further streamlined the movement of goods.
These measures, the port chief said, are critical as Manila’s terminals brace for a seasonal spike in cargo volumes.
He added that the introduction of digital technologies such as automation, real-time cargo tracking, and improved vessel scheduling have boosted vessel productivity, ensuring timely docking, unloading, and departures, particularly during the holiday rush.
Santiago urged port users to “schedule activities during off-peak hours” to help sustain smooth operations throughout the 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.”