By Ruben A.Veloria

Subic Bay Freeport – The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) is currently keen on fast tracking the redevelopment of its Boton Wharf to address the growing influx of ship arrivals in the Port of Subic.

Among the priority port expansion projects to be implemented, is the Boton Wharf which has a total length of 648 meters and depth of 10 meters, and currently being used as berthing for transshipment vessels, fishing boats, bulk cargoes and fertilizer terminal by Subic Seaport Terminal Inc. (SSTI).

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño said, “The Boton Wharf Redevelopment project is part of the infrastructure roadmap under the Luzon Economic Corridor of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. to improve port services for our stakeholders.”
Aliño added that one of the main objectives is to ensure that Subic Bay Freeport is primed and ready to receive increased cargo volumes by adding more ports and wharves.

“By doing so, this will yield additional direct and indirect employment, and economic opportunities in and around the Freeport,” he added.

Meanwhile, during the Talakayan sa Freeport held at the Terrace Hotel here, SBMA Senior Deputy Administrator for Port Operations Ronnie Yambao disclosed that the agency has lined up various development plans that will boost the number of vessel arrivals here.

Yambao mentioned that SBMA will undertake the Redevelopment of Boton Wharf which is targeted to commence in 2026, to consist of a new port terminal, and warehouses with cold storage facilities.