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DICT invests P2.5- B for port expansion

The Davao International Container Terminal (DICT) has infused P2.5 billion for port expansion to develop a world-class port infrastructure that serves as Mindanao’s agro-industrial gateway to global development.

Bonifacio Licayan, DICT vice president, said The Davao port was the most modern container port terminal in Mindanao, and t was being expanded because it has reached its full capacity.

“We’re investing additional P2.5 billion, which will come from internally generated funds and some bank loans for port projects and equipment. We’re just waiting for permits from the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) to build additional berth. On dockyard, were waiting for the permit from Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) so we can start building it. For the empty container depot, we will be awarding it to contractor within this month,” he said in an interview with The Manila Times.

He added that they were adding more equipment and as soon as they have the permits, construction wuld start.

DICT is designed to accommodate bigger vessels. Currently, it has a 423-meter berth and will add up 150m to have 573-meter total berth.

From the current 8.8 hectare, it will increase its on-dock container yard to 20.05 ha. for more storage capacity.

The adjacent empty container depot seated on 11.5 ha., will have an additional 3.35 ha. for a total of 14.85 ha.

The empty container depot is located 400meters away from the port. The depot offers complete empty container services such as container and pre-trip inspection, washing, maintenance and repair, ventilation and temperature setting, and container releasing.

“As of January, cargo volume went up 8 percent year-on-year, so we need to expand fast. We’re now 405,000 TEUs (twenty-foot-equivalent units), a 17 percent increase from 2017 level. The port is more than 100 percent occupancy. At present, DICT decline additional calls on weekends,” he said.

Through DICT, Mindanao’s agricultural and other export products are able to reach the global market on time in excellent condition and become competitive in the global market.

DICT has a long history in port operations servicing the stevedoring and arrastre requirements of break bulk shipments of fresh produce like bananas and pineapples.
As more and more cargoes are shipped via refrigerated containers, the port has transformed to become the leading container port terminal in Mindanao.

Offering world-class container terminal facilities and services in this heavily agricultural island region, DICT helps ensure the global competitiveness of Mindanao’s export-grade products. More than 80 percent of export volume consists of fresh bananas and pineapples.
Source: Manila Times

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