International port project in Consolacion breaks ground, seen to spur developments

Local

AFTER years of planning, the multi-billion New Cebu International Container Port (NCICP) has officially broken ground in Barangay Tayud, Consolacion, and is expected to spur developments in the Visayas and Mindanao.

The P6.93-billion project, spearheaded by the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Cebu Port Authority (CPA), aims to address congestion at the Cebu Base Port and improve the region’s cargo-handling capacity.

The groundbreaking ceremony was held on Wednesday, February 5, with the presence of government officials and stakeholders.

Consolacion Mayor Teresa Alegado described the event as a “historic milestone” not just for the town but for Cebu and the entire Visayas and Mindanao regions.

“Today marks a historic milestone not just for Consolacion, not just for Cebu, but for the entire Visayas and Mindanao region,” Alegado said.

“After years of planning, deliberation, and overcoming numerous challenges, we are finally breaking ground for the long-overdue New Cebu International Container Port," she added.

She emphasized that the project is crucial in sustaining Cebu’s economic growth, particularly as it continues to position itself as the second-largest economic hub in the country, next to Metro Manila.

Cebu’s existing Base Port has been operating at near full capacity, struggling to accommodate the increasing volume of cargo passing through the region.

The new port in Consolacion is expected to relieve congestion by redistributing international container traffic.

Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista highlighted the importance of the project, describing it as a major step in modernizing Cebu’s maritime infrastructure.

“The NCICP is more than just a port—it is a symbol of progress, collaboration, and our collective commitment to enhancing the efficiency and reliability of our nation’s infrastructure,” Bautista said.

He added that the project is designed to improve transport efficiency, lower logistics costs, and provide a smoother flow of goods in and out of the region.

The NCICP is planned to be constructed on a 25-hectare reclaimed island, featuring a 500-meter berth and a water depth of -12 meters.

It marks a significant advancement in maritime infrastructure for Cebu and the Visayas region.

According to Bautista, the modern facility is expected to enhance the operational capacity of Central Visayas' primary cargo gateway.

The project will include a 500-meter berth capable of accommodating vessels carrying up to 2,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs).

Additionally, the port will be equipped with quay cranes, stacking areas, and road infrastructure to facilitate efficient cargo operations.

The project has a total cost of P 16.93 billion, with funding secured from the Export-Import Bank of Korea (KEXIM) and the Philippine government.

KEXIM is providing P9.65 billion through a loan, while the Philippine government will contribute P7.28 billion.

HJ Shipbuilding & Construction Co., Ltd., a South Korean firm, has been awarded the USD 180.5-million contract to construct the port.

The company is expected to complete the project by the second quarter of 2028.

Bautista acknowledged the critical role of international partners in financing and supporting the project.

Officials expect the NCICP to generate significant economic benefits for Cebu and the surrounding regions.

The port’s operations are projected to create direct and indirect jobs, particularly in the construction, logistics, and maritime industries.

Bautista outlined several key advantages of the new port, including savings in vessel waiting and stay costs, reduced transport expenses, and improved traffic conditions. He also emphasized the benefits for local businesses and industries.

“We expect the following benefits for the local community: creation of jobs during the construction phase and in related industries, opportunities for local businesses to participate in and benefit from port operations, and the stability and development of regional industries,” he said.

For the public sector, Bautista said the project would bring increased tax revenues and environmental cost savings through modern and efficient port operations.

Meanwhile, for Alegado, Consolacion has been a growing municipality, but she believes the NCICP will elevate its status as a key economic player in Cebu’s development.

“To the people of Consolacion, this is our moment. Our town is no longer just a growing municipality; it is now the catalyst for Cebu’s economic expansion,” she said.

Alegado stressed that the port is more than just an infrastructure project, it is a step toward securing a better economic future for Cebu and the wider region.

“It was just last December 18, 2024, that the President led the signing of the contract with HJ Shipbuilding & Construction, and today, we break ground to officially begin construction,” Alegado said.

The construction of the NCICP marks a major infrastructure push in Cebu, but the project’s success will depend on how efficiently it is implemented. Bautista said officials remain committed to completing the port by its target date in 2028.

“The timeline we set is ambitious as it reflects our determination to deliver results for the Filipino people,” he said.

“We look forward to working closely with our partners to ensure that this facility is completed on schedule and within budget.”(MyTVCebu)