It will be the second largest cotainer terminal in the country and will boost trade in Southern Luzon.
Last March 13, the International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI) has officially launched the South Luzon Container Terminal (SLCT).
The US$800 million terminal, located within the Bauan International Port in Batangas, will expand trade facilitation capabilities in Southern Luzon and the rest of the country.
As per ICTSI, it It will support industrial and manufacturing activities including cargo requirements associated with energy‑related and industrial projects in the region. The terminal will also complement Manila’s trade facilitation capabilities.
The launch was led by Transportation Acting Secretary Giovanni Z. Lopez, Customs Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno, and Atty. Jay Daniel R. Santiago of the Philippine Ports Authority, along with other policlticans, and former Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama attended the event.
Christian Gonzalez, ICTSI executive vice president, led officers and staff of the ICTSI Group who were also present.
In his speech, Gonzalez acknowledged the support of national and local officials and agencies. “It’s never easy to take the first step. Having a vision is one thing, but making it happen on the ground requires strong partnership with local leaders who are committed to delivering critical infrastructure,” he said.
The company officer furthered, “We hope that what we unveil today will inspire everyone and demonstrate what can be achieved through long-term collaboration and commitment.”
Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez, meanwhile, said the South Luzon Container Terminal will spur economic growth and generate jobs in CALABARZON, while complementing port trading in Metro Manila.
“The construction of this seaport is in line with the directive of the President to facilitate trade in regions and enhance supply chain throughout the country,” said Secretary Lopez.
Phase 1 construction, consisting of marine works and construction of a 425‑meter quay designed for super post‑Panamax operations, is scheduled from May to September 2027, with equipment delivery and installation targeted for August 2027.
Upon reaching operational readiness, SLCT is expected to contribute added throughput capacity within ICTSI’s Philippine portfolio and support long‑term network planning, with construction completion targeted in 2028.
SLCT occupies a naturally protected cove on Batangas Bay, which is expected to provide operational stability and prepare for ultra‑large container vessel capability upon its full-scale opening.
Envisioned as a smart technology terminal, the facility features a suite of advanced equipment, including eight remote-controlled ship-to-shore cranes, 20 rail-mounted gantries, and 32 diesel-hybrid carriers and handlers.
At full development, SLCT will have an 800‑meter quay, 38 hectares of yard, an 18‑meter berth depth, and a terminal capacity that will exceed two million TEUs annually.
Accessibility to SLCT is directly through the Bauan–San Pascual–Batangas–STAR route and major South Luzon tollways with additional transport connectivity under consideration for the Cavite‑to‑Bauan corridor.
