International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI), in partnership with the Philippine Department of Transportation (DOTr) recently launched the development of the country’s first container roll-on roll-off barge terminal in Tanza, Cavite.  To be built on a six-hectare property, the soon-to-be Cavite Gateway Terminal (CGT) will facilitate off-the-road seaborn transport of containers between ICTSI’s Manila International Container Terminal and Cavite.

The project is in line with DOTr’s national transport plan, which aims to utilize nautical highways more efficiently for the movement of goods.  Phase 1, which will cost USD 30 million (PhP 1.5 billion), features an annual capacity of 115,000 TEUs – equivalent to 140,000 fewer truck trips on city roads each year.  The terminal will be integrated with other major Luzon port facilities for more cost-effective and time-bound access to the Cavite market.

Photo shows the project inauguration with (from left): Christian R. Gonzalez, ICTSI Vice President and Head of Asia Pacific and MICT; Arthur R. Tugade, DOTr Secretary; Enrique K. Razon Jr., ICTSI Chairman and President; former Cavite Governor Juanito Remulla Jr.; and Tanza City Mayor Yuri A. Pacumio.  Behind them can be seen the area where the terminal will rise and the southern portion of the Manila Bay where the causeway will be constructed.