The Manila International Container Terminal (MICT), the flagship operation of International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI) and the Philippines’ largest container terminal, continues to invest in expanding capacity and enhancing efficiency.

These investments focus on infrastructure development, equipment upgrades, and digital transformation to support growing trade volumes and improve customer service.

To meet rising demand, MICT is constructing Berth 8, designed to accommodate ultra-large container vessels with a capacity of up to 18,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs). This addition will increase MICT’s handling capacity by 200,000 TEUs, raising its total annual capacity to 3.5 million TEUs. Additional yard space will support the new berth, easing yard congestion and enhancing operational efficiency.

As part of its sustainability initiatives, MICT has integrated hybrid and zero-emission equipment into its operations. The recent deployment of eight new zero-emission rubber-tired gantries (RTGs) has brought the hybrid fleet to 83 percent. Plans are underway to acquire electric trucks and install EV charging stations, aligning with ICTSI’s commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions per container move by 26 percent and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.

MICT has also streamlined gate operations with 14 automated lanes and six optical character recognition (OCR) portals, reducing average truck dwell time to 47.82 minutes. Pre-truck manifesting gate transactions have been cut to just 48 seconds, improving overall efficiency.

New equipment deliveries include 43 terminal trailers, 17 skeletal trailers, and 11 tractors. Additionally, a new yard management system has been introduced to optimize container stacking, improve resource allocation, and reduce operational bottlenecks.

To further enhance service, MICT has launched digital solutions such as the ICTSI App, which offers real-time vessel, container, and truck tracking, as well as billing computation and electronic interchange receipts. E-wallet payments now allow automated fee deductions, expediting import clearances and gate-out processes. SMS notifications alert truck drivers about container hold releases and truck instruction documents upon gate-in. Free Wi-Fi access within the terminal has also been introduced for truck drivers.

MICT’s expansion and modernization efforts reflect its role in supporting the country’s economic growth, supply chain resilience, and global trade connectivity. As the busiest container port in the Philippines, MICT continues to rank among the world’s most efficient terminals, with ongoing investments emphasizing its commitment to world-class service.