Pier 3 expansion boosts Manila South Harbor capacity

MANILA, Philippines — With an expanded berth and two new electric-powered cranes, the Manila South Harbor is expected to become more efficient and handle more cargo ships.

Eusebio Tanco, Asian Terminals Inc. president, said ATI invested P5.7 billion in the project “at no cost to the government.”

Tanco added that the project “significantly expanded the container yard at Pier 3.”

“Last year, South Harbor handled 1.4 million 20-footer equivalent units. With these new cranes, we will be able to breach the two million mark,” said Philippine Ports Authority general manager Jay Daniel Santiago.

The expansion of Pier 3 would enable it to accommodate more cargo ships and shorten queueing time, Santiago added.

Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon described the improvements at Pier 3 as world-class.

“I think these cranes are really top class that you can only see in other more developed countries. This is the way to go,” Dizon said.

At the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Dizon and Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado inspected Terminal 3 “to ensure the continuous improvement of airport operations and passenger services.”

“Our objective is the same as that of the Department of Transportation – we are all focused on transformation. The traveling public deserves a safe, secure and seamless airport experience,” Viado said.