New North Harbour operator admits 'birth pains'

The new operator of Manila North Harbour has acknowledged problems at the port but said these were "birth pains" and the situation was "normalising,” BusinessWorld reported.

Manila North Harbour Port president and chief executive Michael Romero said "small delays" were normal.

Manila North Harbour Port, a joint venture between Metro Pacific Investments and Harbour Centre Port, took over operations of the port on April 11 after winning the North Harbour concession last year.

Members of the Philippine Liner Shipping Association have filed a case before the Supreme Court seeking the cancellation of the concession contract signed by the Philippine Ports Authority and the joint venture.

The group also called for the scrapping of the five percent concession fee. Romero however said there is no concession fee being imposed because no new structures have been constructed.

Romero pointed out that the port operator had brought down its rates by 10 percent and passenger and cargo liners should bring down their rates as well.

Manila North Harbour Port said it would modernise the port by building three "terminal-style" ports and adding cranes. Modernisation will cost US$156.2 million over an initial period of six years.

(Source: Cargo News Asia)