ICTSI defies Manila council on reclamation project

News was prepared under the information support of Online Daily Newspaper on Hellenic and international Shipping "Hellenic Shipping News".

30 Sep 2010

Listed International Container Terminal Services, Inc (ICTSI) will continue reclamation work at Isla Puting Bato in Manila despite a resolution by the city council declaring the operation as a violation of the local government code, reported BusinessWorld.
In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange, the multinational port operator said the resolution was only a recommendation and was not the final word on the legality of the Manila International Container Terminal's (MICT) Berth 6 project.
ICTSI said the dispute would have to be brought to court for resolution.
The project aims to expand the port by 14 hectares and 375m of berth. Three quay cranes for the port's operation will also be added.
In a resolution dated September 23, the city council of Manila said it had adopted an ad-hoc committee's report on reclamation activities in Tondo.
The report said the port operator started its project without the consent of Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim and approval of the city council.
The city council of Manila also approved the Manila Water Code, which imposes local navigation and harbour fees on all water craft docked and moored within waters covered by the city of Manila.
The council recommended to Lim the suspension of the project until ICTSI and other concerned entities complied with local government requirements.
"The city council of Manila has no authority to impose additional [requirements] for a port construction project in the Port District of Manila," ICTSI said.
ICTSI said it had secured the approval of the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), which has exclusive jurisdiction over port projects by virtue of its charter.
The firm also said it had obtained the approval of the Philippine Reclamation Authority and an Environmental Compliance Certificate from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
"MICT Berth 6 Project is a port development project being undertaken by ICTSI with the approval of the [PPA] and in compliance with ICTSI's commitment under its concession contract with PPA," the firm said.
"The construction of the MICT Berth 6 project will continue. ICTSI is confident that its position on the issue will be upheld," the company added.

Source: CargonewsAsia