The International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI) announced that it has received regulatory approvals to operate and develop the Visayas Container Terminal (VCT), the international seaport of Iloilo City in central Philippines.

The global port operator headquartered in the Philippines noted that this 25-year concession strengthens ICTSI's presence in the Philippines and will unlock the economic potential of the Western Visayas region.

The announcement said, "ICTSI received a Notice to Proceed on April 15 to operate Iloilo's international seaport, following a review by the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) and the Office of the Government Corporate Counsel (OGCC)."

ICTSI said it will focus on improving terminal productivity and service quality by investing in the development and rehabilitation of the terminal infrastructure and the deployment of cargo-handling equipment.

"The Visayas Container Terminal (VCT) is poised to become a catalyst for Iloilo's economic and social growth. We're thrilled to begin operations and transform the Iloilo Port into a world-class gateway for the Central Philippines. Our significant investments in modern infrastructure, cargo-handling equipment, and operational efficiency will drive this transformation," said Christian R. Gonzalez, executive vice president of ICTSI.

ICTSI noted that VCT is "strategically located" and serves as a vital gateway for the province of Iloilo, the entire Panay Island, and the wider Western Visayas region.

"Its natural harbour in the Panay Gulf, sheltered by Guimaras Island, provides a safe and ideal environment for ships and vessels," it added.

ICTSI noted that while the seaport plays a crucial role in regional trade, capacity and efficiency constraints have held back its full potential.

"ICTSI's involvement will transform the port, addressing these challenges and unlocking its economic benefits. The port will be operated exclusively to serve foreign vessels and cargoes, with a provision for domestic vessels and cargoes in the initial five years," the port operator said.

The seaport handles a current volume of 100,000 TEUs and 2 million metric tons of non-containerized cargo annually.

It features 627 meters of operational quay length and 20 hectares of land dedicated to container and general cargo storage, warehousing, and other cargo-handling activities.