ICTSI opens country’s first container barge terminal

MANILA, Philippines — The country’s first container barge terminal, the Cavite Gateway Terminal (CGT) of International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI), opened on Thursday, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) said.

In a statement the DOTr said President Duterte led the inauguration of the CGT and the ceremonial loading of a container to a roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) barge bound for Manila.

Located in Tanza, Cavite, CGT, which will allow trans shipment of cargo from international ports in Manila to Cavite via barges and RoRo operations, is expected to help decongest traffic on roads.

In particular, CGT’s operations are expected to result in 140,000 fewer truck trips per year.

CGT’s location is considered strategic as it is near the Cavite Export Processing Zone, which hosts more than 400 companies, and given upcoming processing zones in neighboring cities.

The CGT has an annual capacity of 115,000 twenty-foot equivalent units.

It offers a RoRo wharf, storage for dry laden and empty containers, project cargo and ISO tanks.

In addition, CGT will offer RoRo barge berthing, container storage or yard leasing, empty container maintenance and repair, container weighing, and other container related services.

CGT also has a one-stop shop logistics shop for reefers dry cargo and a 24/7 systems-based operation.

Construction of the CGT started in October last year.

In preparation for full operations, CGT started barge operations through a dry run  in September.

“I assure everyone, in line with our Build Build Build program, this administration will continue to pursue the timely implementation of crucial projects that will uplift the lives of our countrymen. May this terminal serve as a model for all similar port infrastructure projects in the country,” Duterte said during the inauguration.

For his part, Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade said the project would not only ease congestion on roads, but help make it easier to do business.

“We expect that through this project, the public can experience fluid flow of traffic and transportation. As we try to make the Filipino life comfortable, we also try to make the pursuit of the businessman worthwhile and profitable,” he said.