Bulk and breakbulk handling facility Manila Harbor Center (MHC), the largest in the Port of Manila in the Philippines, is expanding its cargo handling capacity with the completion of eco-friendly bulk cargo bays (BCB) and dredging of the berths to accommodate larger vessels.

This new development increases MHC’s number of BCBs from two to five, effectively improving the terminal’s bulk storage capacity by over 100% from 24 000 mt to 55 000 mt. These cover a combined area of 6 650 m2, enclosing cargo inside 7 m walls that help to mitigate the environmental impact of bulk cargo operations by minimising the spread of dust.

“Compared to open storage that requires use of laminated sacks, BCBs require less cover as they minimise the surface area of the cargo exposed to weather elements. BCBs prevent cargo erosion with the help of drainage and roadways, resulting in minimal spills and a cleaner port environment,” says MHC safety head Jennifer Olaer-Salazar.

“We continue to keep the area surrounding the BCBs clean through road sprinkling, sweeping and tire baths to ensure that ambient air quality is below the acceptable limits,” she adds.

For dredging works, MHC has tapped infrastructure company Prime Metro BMD to further deepen the 865 m berth in Terminals 1 and 2 and the 240 m berth in Terminal 3. Once dredging is completed, Terminals 1 and 2 will have a design draft of 10.5 m and Terminal 3 will have 8.7 m.

“We are gearing up MHC to handle more trade as the country continues to recover from the pandemic and prepares to fully open the economy. “The deepening of the berths will allow us to facilitate larger vessels and additional cargo,” says MHC commercial head Geraldine Santos.

MHC continues to collaborate with clients and stakeholders in addressing their requirements by further improving its port facilities and capabilities, including going the extra mile and other value-added services.