New eco-friendly equipment set up in Manila International Container Terminal

MANILA, Philippines — International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI)’s flagship Manila International Container Terminal (MICT) has started receiving new eco-friendly equipment as part of the company’s long-term investment in capacity enhancement and environmental efficiency.

ICTSI recently received four of 16 new hybrid rubber-tired gantries (RTG) manufactured by Mitsui Engineering & Shipbuilding Co. Ltd. of Japan.

ICTSI said the new port equipment underscore the company’s commitment towards ensuring an environment-friendly supply chain which includes expanding the use of next generation energy-efficient cargo handling equipment and vehicle fleets.

The Mitsui Li-ion Hybrid RTGs, the company said, are expected to dramatically improve the carbon footprint of the MICT.

“Seen to reduce carbon emissions by 40 percent and noise levels at the container yard, and up to 60 percent better fuel economy – these hybrids reaffirm the company’s efforts in minimizing the impact of port operations at its Manila flagship,” ICTSI said.

Once fully commissioned, the hybrid RTGs are seen further boosting MICT’s container yard productivity, making it the country’s largest, best-equipped and most technologically-advanced container terminal capable of fully matching demand in terms of operational performance.

Twelve more hybrid RTGs are set to arrive before the end of the first half, along with two super post-Panamax quay cranes. The first pair of neo-Panamax cranes in the country were delivered last year and are already operational, according to ICTSI.

“As we continuously drive economic growth in our home operations, ICTSI will always be at the forefront of innovation with ports equipment and adaptive technology that ensures increasing productivity, while reducing carbon footprint,” ICTSI global corporate head Christian Gonzalez said.

Aside from new port equipment, capacity improvements are also underway at the MICT, among which includes the first phase construction of Berths 7 and 8, and back-up areas for the future Berths 9 and 10.

The MICT, the flagship operation of billionaire Enrique Razon Jr.’s listed firm, is certified with ISO 14001:2008 and has systems to strictly monitor and manage its stack emissions, water usage and effluent, and waste generation. 

ICTSI won the concession to operate the MICT in an international tender in 1988.

Since its takeover, MICT has increased its annual capacity five-fold, expanded its container handling fleet to make it the largest and most modern container terminal in the Philippines, and switched from a manual control system to an integrated real-time IT terminal control system.