DOST pushes locally-made cargo handling equipment

CEBU, Philippines – Strengthening its bid in promoting locally-developed technology, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) is now exploring possibilities to promote Filipino-made cargo handling equipment.

DOST secretary Mario G. Montejo recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Philippine Chamber of Arrastre and Stevedoring Operators (PCASO) and Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) that encourages private cargo operators in utilizing Filipino-developed equipment.

This move will benefit the private cargo operators as utilizing locally-made equipment will promote a more cost efficient operation, saving them from spending so much money for importation of port equipment.

A single equipment ranges from PhP300 million or up, while these locally fabricated equipment are estimated to cost only at about P70 million.

In a statement, DOST announced the agency will led the conceptualization and the designs of the modern cargo handling equipment which will be based on the standards and requirements set by the PPA and PCASO.

Likewise, PCASO members will adopt the designs that DOST will initially develop and commission on local fabricators of their choice for its fabrication.

"This is what we are doing here in DOST, to promote local technologies and use science and technology for the benefit of the Filipinos," said Montejo.

The secretary further said that the partnership, once implemented, will not only benefit cargo operators but local fabricators as well.

Among the cargo equipment to be designed are the Quay cranes, a ship-to-shore rail mounted gantry cranes which carry freight containers during loading and unloading of the cargo ships in the ports and terminals and the Runner-Tired Gantry (RTG), an alternative to rail mounted gantry cranes.

DOST is considering the RTG as a better alternative to the high cost of the cargo equipment particularly the rail mounted cranes for the project. 

He emphasized that RTGs are as effective as the other gantry cranes but at a much lower cost.

Following the primary thrust of the PNoy government to advance the Private-Public-Partnership (PPP) concept in the country, Montejo said this move, is one of the few good examples of a good relationship between the government and private sector players.

He said DOST is looking forward for more PPP projects in the future. (FREEMAN)