The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) has finally given the go-signal for the take-over by a private consortium of Manila's dilapidated North Harbour after a labour row was settled, the Philippine Daily Inquirer reported.

The harbour was ready for take-over in January but PPA general manager Oscar Sevilla stayed the order "so there will be no bloodshed" between waterfront labour groups and Manila North Harbour Port (MNHPI).