PPA taps EU port giant for terminal upgrades

MANILA, Philippines — The operator of Europe’s second largest port has agreed to work with the Philippines in building up the capacity, design and standards of local terminals.

With a looming free trade agreement (FTA) with the European Union, the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) is turning to the bloc for best practices in developing future-ready infrastructure.

The PPA has entered into a memorandum of understanding with the Port of Antwerp-Bruges International (PoABI), operator of Belgium’s Port of Antwerp-Bruges.

The Port of Antwerp-Bruges is Europe’s second largest, next to Rotterdam. It plays a crucial role of linking Belgium to more than 800 destinations globally through its roughly 300 shippers.

PPA general manager Jay Santiago said the memorandum opens up potential cooperation on port planning, development and operations. It also covers digitalization and smart port applications to speed up turnaround times and reduce trading backlogs.

Further, PoABi is expected to help the PPA develop public-private partnership (PPP) frameworks to persuade more private players to build ports.

“This (partnership) will provide opportunities for capacity-building on operational readiness for PPP port projects, port crisis and emergency response management, cruise port development and port strategy,” Santiago said.

PoABI head of business development Maartje Driessens said the operator is keen on helping the PPA take the next step in digitalizing its port operations.

Driessens sees possible tie-ups on digitalizing cargo flow and upgrading safety standards. She is also confident that PoABI can share best practices on sustainability efforts, especially as the PPA would soon be hosting shore-based power.

Santiago said the partnership also aligns with the Philippine push to expand bilateral ties with the EU.

The Philippines yesterday announced the conclusion of FTA talks with the EU, making it the third country in Southeast Asia to strike a trade deal with the region.

In signing the partnership with PoABI, the PPA gains access to the best practices of an operator that handles the most important infrastructure to the Belgian economy.

The Port of Antwerp-Bruges employs around 164,000 workers and generates 21 billion euros, or $24 billion, in added value.