International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI) on Monday said that Hapag-Lloyd’s newly launched China-Philippines Feeder (CPF) service made its inaugural call on its flagship Manila International Container Terminal (MICT).
The service’s maiden call was marked by the arrival of Tokyo Express.
Aside from the Tokyo Express, Hapag-Lloyd also deployed the vessel Seoul Express to the CPF service.
The CPF service establishes a direct link between China, Malaysia, Singapore and the Philippines.
“The service enhances trade connectivity for Philippine importers and exporters by providing a reliable link to major transshipment hubs, allowing for improved access to markets in the region,” ICTSI said.
The service rotates through the ports of Nansha in China, Tanjung Pelepas in Malaysia, Singapore, Batangas, Manila, and Subic Bay in the Philippines, before sailing back to Nansha.
Earlier, MICT, ICTSI’s flagship operation and the Philippines’ largest and most advanced container terminal, said it continues to invest in expanding capacity and improving terminal efficiency through infrastructure enhancements, equipment upgrades, and digital transformation.
To meet rising demand, MICT is constructing Berth 8 designed for ultra-large container vessels of up to 18,000 TEUs capacity. This will add 200,000 TEUs in capacity, raising volume handling capability to 3.5 million TEUs per annum. Additional yard space will support the new berth while easing yard utilization for increased maneuverability.
As part of its sustainability strategy, MICT continues to incorporate hybrid and near-zero emission (NZE) equipment into its operations. The terminal recently deployed eight NZE rubber-tired gantries, complementing a fleet that is now 83 percent hybrid. Plans are underway to acquire electric trucks and establish EV charging infrastructure, advancing efforts to reduce emissions.
Other new equipment deliveries include 43 terminal trailers, 17 skeletal trailers and 11 tractors.
To further enhance service efficiency, MICT has introduced digital solutions, including the ICTSI App, which provides real-time vessel, container, and truck tracking, along with billing computation and electronic interchange receipts.
As the country’s busiest container port, MICT consistently ranks among the most efficient terminals worldwide.
