NorthPort speeds up Pier 14 upgrades

NorthPort said it is making steady progress on the structural strengthening of Pier 14 under its three-year terminal upgrade program, as the company pushes to improve safety, resilience and long-term cargo capacity at one of Manila’s key domestic port facilities.

The Philippines’ premier domestic cargo terminal said it has completed structural works on the second and third 42.5-meter segments of the pier ahead of schedule.

The completed works reinforce the Terminal 1 wharf and move forward NorthPort’s effort to improve the terminal’s structural integrity and seismic resilience.

As of February, wharf strengthening activities had shifted to the fourth and final 52.5-meter segment of Pier 14.

NorthPort said current works include resurfacing the remaining deck area to improve the pier’s operating condition.

The company is also repairing above-deck damage to help prevent further structural deterioration.

At the same time, NorthPort is upgrading the existing fender system from 700 mm to 1,000 mm cell fenders to support safer vessel berthing.

The company said these activities are being carried out in parallel to minimize disruptions to ongoing port operations.

NorthPort said it will undertake additional structural works and complete the remaining phases of the terminal upgrade program in 2027.

The program is intended to ensure that NorthPort remains capable of supporting long-term domestic trade growth while maintaining safe and reliable operations.

The continuing upgrade comes as ports face growing pressure to handle higher cargo volumes, improve turnaround times and strengthen infrastructure against natural hazards, including earthquakes and harsh marine conditions.

As the Philippines’ primary domestic gateway, NorthPort handles most of the domestic trade at the Port of Manila.

The terminal links Metro Manila to the rest of the archipelago through passenger transport, inter-island shipping and container-handling services.

That role makes Pier 14 a critical part of the country’s domestic supply chain, particularly for the movement of goods between the capital and provincial markets.

NorthPort is part of International Container Terminal Services Inc., or ICTSI, an independent global terminal operator with maritime gateway facilities across the Asia-Pacific, the Americas, Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

Established in the Philippines in 1987, ICTSI said it works with governments to modernize port infrastructure and improve operational performance.

The company said this approach is aimed at unlocking long-term value from public maritime assets while delivering measurable economic and social benefits to partner communities.

ICTSI said it focuses on origin and destination terminals and applies consistent environmental, safety and governance standards across its portfolio of 34 terminals in 20 countries.