NCICP construction begins, set to ease cargo congestion

Construction began Wednesday on the New Cebu International Container Port (NCICP), a PHP16.93-billion project aimed at addressing cargo congestion and improving commercial vessel operations in the region.

Department of Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista highlighted that the NCICP will create space for vessels and cargo, leading to faster turnaround times for commercial ships, and is expected to generate economic benefits for users, the local community, and the public sector.

Located in Tayud, Consolacion, Cebu, the port is set to be completed by the second quarter of 2028 on a 25-hectare reclaimed island with a capacity to serve two 2,000 TEU vessels simultaneously using five quay cranes.

The NCICP project is being developed under an official development assistance scheme from Korea's Export-Import Bank and transaction advisory services from the International Finance Corporation of the World Bank, marking the first public-private partnership (PPP) project of the DoTr in the maritime sector.

South Korean Ambassador Lee Sang-hwa emphasized that the NCICP will strengthen economic ties between South Korea and the Philippines, particularly in light of their bilateral free trade agreement.

Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia expressed gratitude for Korea's support, noting the project's positive impact on the Visayas region and the quality of life for Filipinos.