The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) plans to spend US$45.43 million on capacity building projects this year, reported BusinessWorld.

"Most of the key ports are nearing saturation level," the agency said, adding that expansion of piers is a major part of the thrust.

Juan Sta Ana, PPA general manager, said that his office plans to finalise the budget and specific plans by next month. .

"The ports that will be included in the project are Iloilo, Zamboanga, General Santos, Batangas, Manila including South and North harbours, Cagayan de Oro, Dumaguete in Negros Occidental," Sta Ana said.

The statement said that "PPA hopes to embark more aggressively on port capacity-building projects to include the extension of piers and berth lengths, continuous expansion of pier back-up areas such as container yards and truck holding areas, rehabilitation of port facilities, construction of adequate modern, safe and comfortable passenger terminal buildings."

"For this year, PPA plans to accelerate the implementation of its medium-term plans, which include capacity build-up with the plan to start enhancing or improving the major gateways utilising the corporate funds or if necessary through borrowing from financial institutions who are always ready to provide the PPA with the needed assistance," he said.

Sta Ana added that the agency plans to add more vessel traffic monitoring systems (VTMS) in at least four more ports, namely: Iloilo, Davao, Zamboanga and Romblon.

"At present, PPA has constructed VTMS facilities in Manila and in Batangas Port," he said.

One major project the PPA plans to implement is the expansion of Manila's harbour, involving reclamation of about 200 hectares.

PPA had noted that some shipments of bulk cargoes like wheat, flour, minerals and petroleum products have had to be rerouted or handled shipside due to lack of space and facilities.
(Source:www.cargonewsasia.com)