Naha International Container Terminal Project received "Planning Award" from Japan Port and Harbour Association

The Naha International Container Terminal Project that Naha Port Authority (NPA) is promoting, together with Kitakyushu Hibiki Container Terminal Project received the "Planning Award" at the 78th Japan Port and Harbour Association Annual Meeting, held in Kochi Prefecture on May 24, 2006. It was regarded as "New Privatization Scheme for operation and development of international container terminal, by utilizing private sector's management know-how". Japan Port and Harbour Association Awards also included; Report Award, Technical Award and Samejima Prize. 10 projects and 3 individuals were awarded altogether.

Toshiro Tsutsumi, Executive Vice-President and Yoshihiko Odo, Manager of Development Department from NPA, and Mr. Edgardo Q. Abesamis, President, Mr. Manuel De Jesus, Director and Mr. Akira Chiba, General Manager from Naha International Container Terminal Inc. (NICTI) attended the ceremony.
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(picture: Mr. Edgardo Q. Abesamis, NICTI President delivering a speech)

Under the Project, NPA leases out the Naha International Container Terminal (Terminal No.9 and No.10 as the core facilities) to the private company on long-term basis in accordance with the Law on the Special Zones for Structural Reform. NPA expects the terminal operation will be internationally competitive with improved service level, and the project is aiming to reduce the international shipping cost, develop industries by attracting cargos and expand employment opportunities.

Through international competitive process, NICTI, the joint-venture between Philippine-based global operator International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI, 60% share) and six local harbour transportation companies (40% share) was selected and reached to the signing the Lease agreement in May 2005. On January 1st 2006, the private company NICTI, whose majority is held by an overseas operator, inaugurated operation of the Terminal for the first time in Japan.

At the Awarding Ceremony, Mr. Edgardo Q. Abesamis, NICTI President and ICTSI Executive Vice-President, delivered a speech in English for the first time in the history of the Annual Meeting. It received good reputation from the participants, as it would represent the globalization of Japanese port operation.