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The Philippine Ports Authority has renewed International Container Terminal Services, Inc.’s contract to operate Manila International Container Terminal for another 25 years
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ICTSI’s concession contract now until May 2063
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ICTSI said the renewal underscores its long-term commitment to further developing MICT to support the continued growth of Philippine trade and the country’s economic development
The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) has renewed International Container Terminal Services, Inc.’s (ICTSI) contract to operate Manila International Container Terminal (MICT) for another 25 years.
“The renewal underscores ICTSI’s long-term commitment to further developing MICT to support the continued growth of Philippine trade and the country’s economic development,” ICTSI said.
The global port operator applied in November 2025 for the renewal of its contract to operate its flagship terminal beyond 2038.
ICTSI was granted exclusive management, operation and development of MICT for a period of 25 years starting May 18, 1988, renewed/extended for another 25 years from May 19, 2013 until May 18, 2038.
ICTSI senior advisor Christian Gonzalez in an earlier statement to PortCalls explained long-term planning is crucial for a capital-intensive venture such as port operations. “This is a highly capital-intensive business which requires significant investments in infrastructure and equipment across the entire life of a concession,” he said.
“Given the growing requirements for new more advanced technology, the need to support growth, the age of existing assets, and the need to invest further outside the terminal (roads, support access, etc.), substantial additional capital commitments are needed from now until 2037. As such, an extension has been requested to ensure that these investments are viable,” Gonzalez said.
READ: ICTSI adds 8 hybrid rubber-tired gantries at MICT
ICTSI’s application for renewal of contract is pursuant to PPA Administrative Order (AO) No. 007-2023, which provides the new guidelines on the renewal of existing contracts on seaport terminal management services. PPA previously did not have a provision for contract renewal.
The guidelines are in line with changes under Republic Act (RA) No. 11659, or the Amended Public Service Act, and its implementing rules and regulations (IRR). Under the law, which relaxes foreign ownership restrictions in certain industries, seaports remain as public utilities.
Under AO 007-2023, a holder of a valid and existing contract or agreement for the provision of seaport terminal management services may apply for renewal when at least half of the stipulated duration of the existing contract or agreement has been completed.
ICTSI earlier said its expansion program for MICT includes the development of Berth 8 and other infrastructure upgrades, which increase terminal capacity and streamline operations. The port operator has also been deploying more hybrid/net zero emission equipment as part of its decarbonization strategy.
Gonzalez, who was the company representative in the renewal application, said ICTSI meets the other criteria under AO 07-2023.
READ: ICTSI income grows 23% to over $1B as ports handle more cargo
