International Container Terminal Services Inc (ICTSI) is investing 150 million pesos (USD2.9 million) to build an empty container depot and buy Kalmar container handlers.

ICTSI spokesman Narlene Soriano said the company had already ordered the Kalmar equipment, which includes a sidelifter. Other equipment includes prime movers and trailers.

Ms Soriano said the depot would be built at the Manila International Container Terminal (MICT) ahead of an anticipated increase in demand for empty container storage as the Philippine economy recovers. When completed in June, the depot will have room for 9184 TEUs, stacked eight high.

MICT general manager Francis Andrews said productivity at the MICT had already improved, increasing from 23.98 moves an hour last November to 26.26 moves an hour in December.