International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI) has started construction on the South Luzon Container Terminal (SLCT) in Bauan, Batangas, to create the second-largest port facility in the Philippines.
The project represents a $800 million investment intended to support trade in Southern Luzon and the rest of the country. The facility is designed to handle cargo for regional energy and industrial projects while providing an alternative to the ports in Manila.
ICTSI Executive Vice President Christian R. Gonzalez said that the project relies on cooperation between the private sector and government leaders.
“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.
“We hope that what we unveil today will inspire everyone and demonstrate what can be achieved through long-term collaboration and commitment.”
Transportation Acting Secretary Giovanni Z. Lopez and Customs Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno led the event. Other attendees included Public Works and Highways Secretary Vivencio B. Dizon, Batangas 2nd District Representative Gerville R. Luistro, and local officials from Batangas and Bauan. Philippine Ports Authority General Manager Jay Daniel R. Santiago and former Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama were also present.
The terminal is situated in a protected cove on Batangas Bay, which provides stable conditions for ships. The project is scheduled for completion by 2028 and is being built to accommodate very large container ships. When finished, the SLCT will feature an 800-meter quay, 38 hectares of yard space, and a water depth of 18 meters. The facility is expected to handle over two million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) of cargo every year.
Phase 1 of construction focuses on marine works and a 425-meter quay. This initial building stage is set to run from May to September 2027, with the installation of operational equipment planned for August 2027. This first phase will increase the total cargo capacity of ICTSI’s operations in the Philippines. The completed terminal will use specialized equipment, including eight ship-to-shore cranes, 20 gantry cranes, and 32 hybrid carriers to move containers.
The location is connected to the transport network through the Bauan–San Pascual–Batangas–STAR route and other major tollways. Government agencies are also evaluating a new transport link through the Cavite-to-Bauan corridor to further improve access. The project is part of the national "Build Better More" infrastructure program.
