MANILA, Philippines / ConSynSer / – Asian Terminals, Inc. (ATI), DP World’s strategic partner in the Philippines, has won a 25-year extension to operate and develop Manila South Harbour until 2063. The company signed the renewed concession with the Philippine Ports Authority. The new term will begin in May 2038, when the existing contract ends, and run to May 2063. ATI disclosed the agreement on Thursday, November 12.
The renewal secures the future of one of the Philippines’ main international trade gateways. It also coincides with ATI’s 40th anniversary in 2026. The company applied in December 2025 under PPA rules that allow existing seaport terminal contracts to be renewed. Its current contract dates back to 1988 and was previously extended in 2007, PortCalls reported. PPA rules allow operators to apply once at least half of a contract’s term is complete and no later than three years before it expires.
DP World Executive Chairman Essa Kazim said realizing the Philippines’ growth potential requires sustained investment in world-class infrastructure. “This concession renewal provides the certainty needed to plan and invest for decades ahead,” he said. He said the deal reflects DP World’s commitment to enduring partnerships that enable trade and support sustainable growth. The Dubai-based group also invests in ports elsewhere, including Tanzania’s Dar es Salaam port.
Capacity, automation and greener equipment
Jason Varsamidis, CEO and Managing Director of DP World Asia Pacific, said the renewal strongly endorses ATI’s track record and its partnership with the PPA. He said the next phase will focus on capacity, technology and more sustainable operations. Plans include capacity expansion and greener, more energy-efficient cargo-handling equipment. ATI also aims to increase automation and use advanced digital tools across its operations.
The upgrades are designed to help the port respond to shifting trade patterns and rising cargo volumes. They also target the needs of shipping lines, importers, exporters and the wider logistics community. No specific investment amount or volume target for the new term was disclosed. The PPA has not issued its own statement on the terms. ATI had earlier rolled out a Php5.7 billion modernization program for the port, including a Pier 3 extension and two new ship-to-shore cranes.
More than Php42 billion invested
ATI has invested more than Php42 billion in its Philippine port facilities over the past four decades. Across its operations, it has handled about 30 million TEUs of containers and 57 million metric tons of non-containerized cargo. The company has also served some 70 million passengers. In the first nine months of 2025, ATI’s net income rose 34.4% to Php4.26 billion, PortCalls reported. Revenue rose 24.4% to Php14.7 billion over the same period.
Port investment is a key part of Southeast Asia’s growth plans, as the region faces a $264 billion yearly infrastructure funding gap, according to the Asian Development Bank. Transport, including ports and roads, accounts for a large share of those needs. ATI said the renewed concession will allow Manila South Harbour to keep serving customers for decades. The agreement provides long-term certainty for planning and investment.