3 new cargo bays double Manila Harbor Center capacity

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The completion of three new bulk cargo bays more than doubles Manila Harbor Center’s bulk storage capacity from 24,000 metric tons to 55,000 metric tons and assists in mitigating any environmental impact of the terminal’s operation. Photo from ICTSI.
  • Manila Harbor Center’s cargo-handling capacity more than doubled with the completion of 3 eco-friendly bulk cargo bays
  • Bulk storage capacity expanded to 55,000 metric tons from 24,000 MT
  • Prime Metro BMD is dredging Terminals 1, 2 and 3 berths
  • When dredging is complete, Terminals 1 and 2 will have a draft of 10.5 meters and Terminal 3, 8.7 meters

Manila Harbor Center (MHC) has completed three eco-friendly bulk cargo bays (BCB), expanding the facility’s bulk storage capacity by more than 100% to 55,000 metric tons (MT) from 24,000MT.

The BCBs—now a total of five—cover a combined area of 6,650 square meters, enclosing cargo within seven-meter-high walls that mitigate the environmental impact of bulk cargo operations by minimizing the spread of dust.

“Compared with open storage that requires use of laminated sacks, BCBs require less cover as they minimize the surface area of the cargo exposed to weather elements. BCBs prevent cargo erosion with the help of drainage and roadways, resulting in minimal spills and a cleaner port environment,” MHC safety head Jennifer Olaer-Salazar said in a statement.

“We continue to keep the area surrounding the BCBs clean through road sprinkling, sweeping and tire baths to ensure that ambient air quality is below the acceptable limits,” she added.

MHC is also dredging berths to accommodate larger vessels, tapping Prime Metro BMD to further deepen the 865-meter berth at Terminals 1 and 2, and the 240-meter berth at Terminal 3.

Once dredging is complete, Terminals 1 and 2 will have a design draft of 10.5 meters and Terminal 3, 8.7 meters.

“We are gearing up MHC to handle more trade as the country continues to recover from the pandemic and prepares to fully open the economy. The deepening of the berths will allow us to (accommodate) larger vessels and additional cargo,” MHC commercial head Geraldine Santos said.

Operated by Manila Harbour Center Port Services Inc., MHC is a 10-hectare international breakbulk and bulk private port located north of Manila Harbour Center, Port of Manila.

International Container Terminal Services, Inc. took over the company by acquiring 100% of MHCPSI shares for P2.447 billion in 2021. ICTSI also operates the Manila International Container Terminal and North Port, among other terminals.

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