MICT handles record 275k TEUs in Oct

• The Manila International Container Terminal handled a record 275,028 twenty-foot equivalent units in October

• For the same month yard utilization remained stable at 77%, underscoring the port’s preparedness for the holiday season, according to the Philippine Ports Authority

• The October volume includes an all-time high import volume of 147,935 TEUs

• Gross crane productivity averaged 26 moves per hour

• PPA attributed the achievement to port operator International Container Terminal Services, Inc.’s continued investments in infrastructure and equipment at MICT

The Manila International Container Terminal (MICT) handled a record 275,028 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in October even as yard utilization remained stable at 77%, underscoring the port’s preparedness for the holiday season, according to the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA).

The October volume included an all-time high import volume of 147,935 TEUs. Gross crane productivity averaged 26 moves per hour, PPA said in a statement.

The ports authority attributed the accomplishment to its partnership with port operator International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI) and the latter’s continued investments in infrastructure and equipment at MICT.

Recent upgrades at MICT include replacing two old quay cranes at Berths 3 and 4, and increasing the number of quay cranes at Berth 6 from five to six. PPA noted that investing in larger, more advanced cranes enhances the terminal’s ability to accommodate larger container vessels and meet the growing market demand.

READ: ICTSI receives 3 new quay cranes

In addition, ICTSI is developing Berth 8, which is projected to boost MICT’s annual capacity to 3.5 million TEUs by 2027.

“These upgrades ensure our terminals are ready to handle not only the seasonal surge but also the long-term growth in trade,” PPA general manager Jay Daniel Santiago said.

The PPA chief also praised ICTSI for its proactive measures in managing seasonal demand.

To prevent artificial congestion, PPA enforces a three- to five-day dwell time for containers to promote timely removal of containers and maintain optimal flow inside the terminals.

Santiago stressed, “Ports are designed to move goods efficiently—not serve as storage.”

PPA said further reducing congestion risks is the faster truck serving times at MICT, which is a result of infrastructure and technology improvements at the terminal gates.

“This, combined with coordination with local authorities of surrounding municipalities, helps streamline cargo movement in and out of the port, especially during high-demand periods,” PPA said.

It added that partnership with private terminal operators, such as ICTSI and South Harbor operator Asian Terminals Inc. “has improved Manila’s port efficiency through automation, real-time tracking, and infrastructure upgrades.”

Santiago urged port users to schedule activities during off-peak hours to support uninterrupted operations throughout the busy season.

“With modern infrastructure and close collaboration among stakeholders, our port system is resilient and efficient, prepared to support the economy during the peak season and beyond,” he said.