Enrique K. Razon Jr. - led International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI) is moving forward with the South Luzon Container Terminal (SLCT) in Bauan, Batangas, with commercial operations targeted for 2028.

The $800-million project will roll out in phases over the next two years and is set to become one of the country’s largest container gateways. Once fully operational, SLCT is expected to add up to two million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU), in annual capacity across ICTSI’s network.

More connected and competitive

SLCT is designed to make Southern Luzon more connected and competitive. By building capacity closer to manufacturing and export hubs, the project aims to reduce logistics steps, shorten lead times, and expand options for shippers.

The site — currently operating as Bauan International Port and primarily serving roll-on roll-off handling of completely built-up units — is being converted into a modern container terminal capable of accommodating ultra-large container vessels.

SLCT will have a controlling depth of up to 18 meters to handle larger ships and improve schedule reliability.

Equipped for super post-Panamax quay cranes

Phase 1 covers marine works and the construction of a 425-meter quay equipped for super post-Panamax quay cranes. Construction is scheduled from May to September 2027, followed by the delivery and installation of container-handling equipment by August of the same year.

SLCT, at the completion of Phase 1, will have an initial capacity of 800,000 TEUs.

The terminal will include an 11-hectare container yard, four remotely operated super post-Panamax quay cranes, four rail-mounted gantry (RMG) lanes with eight RMGs, 10 container shuttle carriers, and dedicated operations and engineering facilities. A substation and power generation systems will support reliability and performance.

Located some nine kilometers from Batangas City, SLCT will connect to major road corridors and planned expressways; the terminal is positioned to be a key gateway for Calabarzon’s manufacturing and export base.

In August last year, the site was inspected by the Department of Transportation and the Philippine Ports Authority, with both agencies noting that the SLCT is aligned with the Build Better More infrastructure program of the Marcos administration which aims expand port capacity and support economic growth.

Premier CALABARZON, Southern Luzon gateway

The SLCT in Bauan, Batangas is being developed to become a major international container port facility serving as premier gateway for the CALABARZON economic region and greater Southern Luzon.

Located 120 kilometers south of Manila, the terminal will expand national port capacity by over two million TEUs when completed in 2027.