The July delivery of additional cargo-handling equipment is expected to help increase throughput at North Port in Manila by 6% this year.
Richard Barclay, chief operating officer of Manila North Harbour Port, Inc (MNHPI), operator of North Port, noted first-quarter volume is already up 6% from the comparable period in 2010, suggesting better prospects for the entire year.
MNHPI has invested around $7.44 million for the acquisition of additional cargo-handling equipment for the port which mainly caters to the domestic market. For delivery in July are three container cranes and several units of rubber-tired gantry cranes.
Barclay said the new equipment will boost the port’s cargo-handling capability, resulting in faster turnaround time.
Meanwhile, modernization of North Port is in full swing. The passenger terminal building — one of the key provisions in MNHPI’s contract — is set to be completed by December.
Work has also begun in Piers 4 and 10 as well as in Pier 13, the marine slipway. Once complete, MNHPI will start development of the container yard.
MNHPI, together with the Philippine Ports Authority, is also relocating informal settlers around North Port, a process expected to be completed by end 2012.
North Harbor is the fourth biggest contributor to the country’s total cargo throughput. Last year, it accounted for 10.40% or 18.44 million metric tons (mmt) of the aggregate, down 9.43% from 20.36 mmt in 2010.
Photo by Matikas_0805
