Mariveles Dry Bulk Terminal to start operating in 2016
SEASIA Nectar Port Services, Inc. (SNPSI) will start operating next year a new bulk terminal in Bataan, a project that will allow direct shipments from the province.
The Authority of Freeport Area in Bataan (AFAB) said in a statement that locators in the existing port area can utilize the planned Mariveles Dry Bulk Terminal to transmit their shipments to domestic and overseas destinations.
SNPSI — a joint venture between Seasia Logistic Philippines, Inc. and Nectar Group Ltd. — is currently developing the 11.4-hectare terminal.
Construction of the terminal involves three phases, with the first one entailing the development of a 5.9-hectare portion.
This phase — which can accommodate two 120-meter-long vessels — will have a capacity of at least three million tons every year.
The second and third phases will expand the bulk terminal to accommodate two more vessels.
“Commercial operations of the new port are set in 2016 as SNPSI said that it would need at least one year to totally develop the terminal’s facilities,” AFAB said in its statement.
Construction of the facility started a year after SNSPI completed the feasibility study for the project.
SNPSI Chairman Ramon R. Atayde said that the planned dry bulk terminal is designed to handle shipments of coal, clinker, silica sand and other cement raw materials, steel, fertilizer and other dry bulk cargo.
SNPSI will also build facilities for warehousing, stevedoring, lightering and towing of cargo.
Mr. Atayde added that the terminal will be operated in accordance with international safety and environmental standards.
“We will ensure that the facility will meet the clients’ standards and employ efficient and proper cargo handling methods to avoid any impact to the environment,” said Mr. Atayde.
AFAB Chairman Deogracias G.P. Custodio, for his part, expressed support for SNPSI’s undertaking noting that this will bring more opportunities to FAB.
He said the project will generate employment for local residents.
“The presence of SNPSI will help in attracting more investors to locate at the FAB as costs of shipment would be reduced,” Mr. Custodio said.
“This project gives us confidence to market ourselves to other kind of industries worldwide. With this, we assure SNPSI that you will have the full support of the AFAB,” he added.
Bataan Governor Albert Raymond S. Garcia, meanwhile, also welcomed the project.
“The creation of the port is another milestone toward attaining the vision of Bataan and the FAB to be the preferred location of investments and record the highest human development index in the country,” Mr. Garcia said.
Source: http://hellenicshippingnews.com/mariveles-dry-bulk-terminal-to-start-operating-in-2016/
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BusinessWorld