The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) has allowed the new North Harbor operator to revise its port modernization plan as long as it adheres to a strict implementation timeline for the project.
Last September, the Manila North Harbor Port Inc (MNHPI) asked PPA for a review the original master plan to validate current and projected traffic forecast, utilization of the operational areas, non-delivery of portions of project area, removal of all informal settlers, impact on all port users, road traffic, environmental and other concerns of shipping lines.
Based on the schedule, the review and preparation of the revised master plan will be from September 2010 to May 2011.
From October to December 2010, the PPA expects MNHPI to submit conceptual engineering designs for the entire area; and from January to March 2011, a detailed engineering design for Phase I.
PPA will review, evaluate and approve the designs in about a month.
"In this regard, this office interposes no objection to your (MNHPI) proposal, provided that the time frame for and extent of the detailed engineering design for phase 2 areas will be incorporated in the study," PPA general manager Atty. Juan Sta. Ana said.
"The quay crane will be operational by 10 April 2012 and the construction/installation schedule of the crane rail and other quay crane components is submitted as part of the study," Sta. Ana added.
Based on the original plan, the P14.5-billion bid submitted by MNHPI will cover reconfiguration of existing ports, expansion of operational area from 52 hectares to 70 hectares, and improvement of operational facilities.
The operator is expected to develop the port's container terminal, general cargo terminal and passenger terminal complex, all to be considered as one operational area.
Phase I of the project will be implemented over a period of six years. The first year of the contract requires completion of the crane rail for two load on-load off (lo-lo) berths at Terminal 1 and pavement/concreting of container yards. After which the operator should procure two shore cranes and support equipment.
