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International Container Terminal Services, Inc. continues to beef up operations of the Cavite Gateway Terminal
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ICTSI recently strengthened CGT yard and wharf operations with the deployment of additional landside container handling equipment and directly contracted barge equipment
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CGT is the country’s first dedicated container barge terminal in Tanza, Cavite
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The enhancements coincide with the temporary closure of the southbound portion of Roxas Boulevard
International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI) continues to beef up operations of the Cavite Gateway Terminal (CGT), recently strengthening yard and wharf operations with the deployment of additional landside container handling equipment and directly contracted barge equipment.
“As the country begins to re-open its economy, we shall continue to support the country’s importers and exporters not only through enhancements in our operated terminals, but also through practical solutions and alternatives for our importers and exporters,” ICTSI executive vice president Christian R. Gonzalez said in a statement.
ICTSI said one of these alternatives is CGT, which optimizes the sea lanes of Manila Bay while providing alternate means of transporting containers from the Port of Manila to the CALABARZON area and back.
With an area of six hectares, CGT is the country’s first dedicated container barge terminal in Tanza, Cavite. Launched in 2018, the terminal can handle 115,000 twenty-foot equivalent units annually.
ICTSI said enhancements at CGT also came at an opportune time with the temporary closure of the southbound portion of Roxas Boulevard.
“We support the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority’s call to look for other ways to transport containers, and we are happy to be able to offer an alternative through the services provided by CGT,” Gonzalez said.
The southbound portion of Roxas Boulevard has been closed to vehicular traffic since January 15 to give way to the repair of the damaged box culvert of Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in front of Libertad Pumping Station in Pasay City. According to DPWH, the closure and repair works would last for 60 days.
READ: Southbound portion of Roxas Boulevard closed from Jan 15
Moreover, from January 20 to 25, EDSA Extension to Bradco Avenue-southbound will be closed at night for the installation of the main girder and launch of the support beam and span for the construction of the Light Rail Transit Line 1 Cavite Extension project.
READ: Part of Roxas Boulevard to close at night for LRT project
Prior to the closure of the southbound portion of Roxas Boulevard, the government said it was looking at utilizing barges going to CGT as one of the possible options to ensure continued flow of trade once a portion of Roxas Boulevard starts rehabilitation and is closed to vehicular traffic.
READ: Barges eyed to transport cargo with 3-month Roxas Boulevard closure
The Philippine Ports Authority said cargoes destined for areas south of Manila can be transported from Manila International Container Terminal, ICTSI’s flagship terminal, via sea using barges and can be withdrawn at CGT, thus “drastically reducing the number of trucks needing rerouting when the rehabilitation of the Boulevard commences.”
Roxas Boulevard is part of a cargo truck trade route connecting the Port of Manila to Southern Luzon. Close to 900 trucks and over 1,000 trailers travel daily on the road’s southbound direction alone.
