Philippines' New Cebu International Container Port breaking ground in 2024Philippines' New Cebu International Container Port breaking ground in 2024

The Philippines' Department of Transportation (DOTr) has set a target of groundbreaking for the $290m New Cebu International Container Port (NCICP) by year-end, according to Undersecretary for maritime Elmer Francisco Sarmiento, as reported by Philippines media.

The masterplan for the project was created in 2002, but approval was not granted until 2016 and funding was not secured until 2018.

Last week, the civil works contract for the NCICP was awarded to Korean firm HJ Shipbuilding and Construction Corp (formerly Hanjin Heavy Industries & Construction). Civil works can start upon signing of the contract, expected this month, according to local media.

DOTr now hopes to complete the project by 2028, and the new implementation period for the project is up to June 21, 2028.

Sarmiento had said they were hoping to start construction by September after the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board greenlit the changes to parameters of the NCICP Project in June. Funding has since been approved,

NCICP will be built on 25 ha of reclaimed land in Tayug, Consolacion, Cebu. A berthing facility with a 500-m quay wall will be able to accommodate two 2,000 teu vessels served by four quay cranes, and will have supporting infrastructure including access roads, a bridge connecting to the mainland, a freight station and an inspection shed. Access channels will be dredged and a turning basin established.

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