ASIAN Terminals, Inc. (ATI) has commissioned two new quay cranes at the Manila South Harbor terminal that will enable it to accommodate larger vessels.
The two post-panamax quay cranes are capable of handling two 20-footer containers in a single lift. The port operator invested about P1 billion for the two cranes that were built in-port.
At the equipment inauguration last week, ATI president Eusebio Tangco said, “This investment forms part of our commitment with the Philippine Ports Authority and is anchored on our long-term goal of expanding the capacity of Manila South Harbor.
“Aside from this, we are also expanding our yard and crane rails as well as pursuing other important civil works, including establishing a container yard outside the port.”
In 2008, PPA extended the contract of ATI to operate the South Harbor for another 25 years starting 2014. During this period, ATI will inject $300 million to $350 million to develop the South Harbor. That is on top of approximately $150 million already sunk in by the operator in previous years.
This year, ATI has allotted P3 billion in capital expenditures, P2 billion of which will be used to improve facilities and the rest to acquire ports under the Public-Private Partnership project of the current administration.
These ports include those in Davao, Iloilo, Zamboanga, Cagayan de Oro, General Santos and Surigao.
