P16.9 billion container port breaks ground in Tayud, Consolacion

CEBU, Philippines — After nearly two decades of planning and deliberation, the P16.9 billion New Cebu International Container Port (NCICP) in Barangay Tayud, Consolacion, Cebu officially broke ground on Wednesday, February 5, 2025.

The new port is strategically located to alleviate bottlenecks in the logistics chain, enabling faster and more cost-efficient transport of goods while enhancing the competitiveness of local businesses both regionally and internationally.

The total project cost stands at P16.93 billion, with P9.651 billion sourced from loan proceeds and P7.276 billion funded by the Philippine government.  The port will accommodate two 2,000 twenty-foot equivalent unit (TEU) vessels and will be equipped with five quay cranes. A 1,365-meter access road and a 300-meter offshore bridge will connect the facility to the main road network.

“This ambitious project would not be possible without the strong support of our development partners, most notably the Export-Import Bank of Korea. Their confidence in this project underscores its potential as a game-changer for the region,” said Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista.

Bautista also expressed gratitude to the International Finance Corporation of the World Bank for serving as the transaction adviser, ensuring that every aspect of the project adheres to global standards of excellence. He also placed confidence in HJ Shipbuilding and Construction Company, the winning contractor, to deliver a world-class port facility by the second quarter of 2028.

“The timeline we set is ambitious, but it reflects our determination to deliver results for the Filipino people. We look forward to working closely with our partners to ensure that this facility is completed on schedule and within budget,” Bautista added.

Bautista described the groundbreaking ceremony as “the start of a monumental undertaking.”

“This project is not only a cargo gateway for the Central Visayas region but also a defining moment for Cebu’s economic landscape,” he stated, adding that the NCICP is more than just a port; it is a symbol of progress, collaboration, and our collective commitment to enhancing the efficiency and reliability of our nation’s infrastructure.

The NCICP will be built on a 25-hectare reclaimed island with a 500-meter berth length and a water depth of negative 12 meters.

Economic Impact

“It represents a new era in maritime infrastructure for Cebu and the Visayas region,” Bautista emphasized.

The modern facility is expected to significantly boost the operational capacity of Central Visayas’ main cargo gateway.

“Our goal is to create a port facility that not only meets but exceeds the demands of growing commerce and industry. This project—a collaboration between the Department of Transportation and the Cebu Port Authority—reflects the strength of public and private partnerships in addressing critical infrastructure needs,” Bautista said.

One of the key objectives of the NCICP is to redistribute international container volume from the existing Cebu Base Port, which is currently operating at near capacity.

“This redistribution will improve handling and container stacking facilities while reducing road congestion around the Cebu Base Port. In doing so, we pave the way for a seamless flow of goods and services, ensuring our economy remains robust and dynamic,” Bautista added.

Aside from its physical infrastructure, the NCICP is expected to generate various benefits for port users, local communities, and the public sector. These include reduced vessel waiting times, lower maritime cargo transport costs, improved traffic conditions, and increased income from land leases.

Despite initial concerns from local residents, the project is expected to create jobs during the construction phase and in related industries. Local businesses will also have opportunities to participate in and benefit from port operations, contributing to regional economic stability.

“The NCICP will enhance the international competitiveness of Cebu’s industries and attract transshipment cargo, further establishing Cebu as a logistics hub in the region,” Bautista said.

The public sector is also set to benefit from increased tax revenues at both the local and national levels, environmental cost savings through improved operational efficiencies, and the adoption of modern technology.

“These benefits align perfectly with our shared vision of sustainable and inclusive growth for Central Visayas and the entire nation,” Bautista stressed.

While highlighting the numerous advantages of the project, Bautista reminded stakeholders that its success depends on the collaboration and support of government agencies and local communities alike.

Historic milestone for Consolacion and Cebu

Consolacion Mayor Teresa P. Alegado hailed the groundbreaking as a historic milestone not just for Consolacion and Cebu but for the entire Visayas and Mindanao regions.

“This project is a testament to our shared vision of progress. The JICA study, which laid the foundation for this development, identified Consolacion as the ideal location for this vital infrastructure. Now, with the JICA roadmap materialized, we are witnessing the realization of a dream that has been decades in the making,” Alegado said.

She emphasized that Cebu is poised to become the next economic powerhouse, second only to Metro Manila, but added that proper infrastructure is essential to fully harness this potential.

“The New Cebu International Container Port is the answer to ensuring that Cebu remains the trade and commerce hub of the Visayas and Mindanao. Logistics is key to economic growth, and this port will greatly benefit entrepreneurs engaged in import and export activities,” she noted.

Beyond economic gains, the NCICP aligns with global sustainable development goals by fostering urban growth, enhancing trade capacity, and generating more employment opportunities.

Senior Executive Director Kiyeon Hwang of the EDCF Korea Eximbank highlighted the project’s transformative impact on the Philippine economy and the enduring partnership between Korea and the Philippines.

“This project will elevate Cebu’s role as a key maritime hub in Southeast Asia. Once completed, it will not only make goods more affordable but also create jobs and opportunities for port-related activities while improving local and global supply chains,” Hwang said.

The Cebu Port Authority stated that once completed, the NCICP will redistribute international container volume from the Cebu International Port, improving efficiency in cargo handling and reducing road congestion around the existing base port. – /FPL (FREEMAN)