Mariveles multipurpose terminal opens doors to more users

After working exclusively with one client, Mariveles Multi-Purpose Terminal (MMT), Bataan Freeport’s first port terminal dedicated to bulk shipments, is opening its doors this month to other users.

This follows completion of the facility’s phase one development in the first quarter of 2018, for which operator Seasia Nectar Port Services, Inc. (SNPSI) invested P1.3 billion for civil works and P200 million for equipment.

SNPSI is a joint venture between Seasia Logistics Philippines, Inc. (SLPI) and United Kingdom-based bulk cargo operator Nectar Group.

MMT is a 6.7-hectare terminal with a 250-meter wharf-type berth and accommodation capacity of about 2 million metric tons of bulk cargoes a year.

In 2014, SNPSI leased the property for 25 years, renewable for another 25.

The port started operating exclusively for one customer, but is now accepting others, according to Rafael Cosme, general manager and chief operating officer of Seasia Nectar Port Services, Inc. (SNPSI), in a presentation during the Philippine Ship Agents Association, Inc. general membership meeting on September 18.

MMT has a 250-meter berth with a -14-meter draft and a -25-meter entry channel, which Cosme said allows the port to handle all types of vessels, including those Panamax-size. Power points of 220/440 volts are on the quay side, and water for bunkering is available.

The terminal has two anchorage points for ship side operations. It is equipped with weigh bridges and truck wash at the exit gate, and its holding area can accommodate 50 trucks.

Cosme said the terminal uses material handling equipment to minimize spillage and loss during handling operations. It provides discharge guarantees, “otherwise we pay for your demurrage,” he noted.

But while designed as a bulk terminal, the terminal can technically handle all types of cargoes, even containers, as its wharf has enough bearing capacity to withstand heavy lifts.

MMT is located in the Bataan freeport, operated by the Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan (AFAB) which collects wharfage and berthing fees. Cosme said since MMT is the first port terminal in the Bataan Freeport, it is helping AFAB draft its framework on managing and supervising the port.

Cosme said MMT’s tariff is negotiable, but that they use Manila tariff as a starting point for discussion.

A Bureau of Customs office is located about three kilometers from the terminal.

Challenging access road

Cosme acknowledges that the sloping access road to the port presents a challenge, so SNPSI gives users the option to either let the terminal operator conduct door-to-door services, or deliver the cargo to the main highway for pick up by the owner.

Cosme said the capacity and efficiency of the port can offset any additional transport cost brought on by the challenging access road, which is now under repair to reduce its slope.

He added that an advantage of the terminal is its being within the Mariveles harbor where ships usually take shelter during weather disturbances.

And while there is currently no night docking, SNPSI is already in talks with pilots about such operation.

Cosme said Bataan freeport locators that use the terminal are mostly manufacturers using containers for their shipments, but that SNPSI is doing a study on whether volumes are enough to warrant barge container services.

For phase two, Cosme said the port’s berth will be expanded further as SNPSI has already secured the lease for additional areas. Phase two includes expanding the berth by another 200 meters and, together with its partners, building silos and bagging equipment.

SNPSI has already started phase two construction, targeted for completion by August 2019.

SLPI offers total port-to-warehouse logistics solutions to dry bulk cargo importers. It currently has operations in Bacolod and Iloilo, providing services to the private ports of La Filipina and Bacolod Real Estate Development Corp. It also has minority share in a Zamboanga port. – Roumina Pablo