The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) has reset to February 15 the turnover of the management and operations of the North Harbour to Manila North Harbour Port Inc, the joint venture company of Harbour Centre Port Terminals Inc (HCPTI) and Metro Pacific Investments Corp (MPIC), the Philippine Star reported.

MPIC said the PPA has sent a notice to the joint venture company to move the turnover to a later date to ensure a smooth transition.

The MPIC-HCPTI joint venture earlier won the 25-year contract to develop, manage, operate, and maintain at a cost of US$316.14 million the country??s oldest and busiest port facility.

The $316.14 will cover the capital expenditure plan to reconfigure the existing ports, expand its operational area from 52 hectares to 70 hectares and improve operational facilities.

The consortium noted that the project will facilitate inter-island shipping and boost the economy as a whole since the harbour will be dredged to accommodate even bigger ships.

The port will be fitted with modern cranes, including bigger and wider container and cargo depot to accommodate more containers coming from the provinces in the South.