Reefer storage facilities at the Port of Davao are being developed to accommodate the region’s position as a centre for the export of fresh produce from the Philippines.
According to a report by the Business Inquirer, International Container Terminal Services Inc (ICTSI) stated last Friday its subsidiary in Davao – Davao Integrated Port Services and Stevedoring Corp (DIPSSCOR) – has increased its reefer storage capacity at Sasa Wharf. This would improve the transport and storage of fruit there, stated the report.
“The Philippines remains one of the leading exporters of bananas; it is the third largest banana exporter in the world, and the leader in Asia,” DIPSSCOR general manager Julien Domingo said. The majority of bananas grown for export are produced in Davao.
“DIPSSCOR’s container market share in the Port of Davao is at 70 per cent and this is attributed to the expanding global banana trade,” he said.
“Traders have been shifting the shipping of bananas from reefer ships to reefer containers, a more cost-effective and safer way of transporting the fruit.”
The corporation has now doubled the wharf’s reefer capacity to accommodate 288 containers – up from its previous capacity of 144 containers.
Reefer capacity was increased through the construction of three racks fitted with 48 440-volt plugs. Reefers can be stacked up to four tiers high.
The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) has since handed over the running of the reefer facility to DISSCORP, which is the largest cargo handler and port service provider at the Port of Davao.
