The $22m investment is part of ICTSI’s $80m capital equipment programme for its flagship terminal, it said in a press release. Christian Gonzalez, ICTSI senior vice-president and head of Asia-Pacific and MICT, says the new RTGs, the first of their kind in the Philippine ports system, will not only boost operations, but will also further enhance ICTSI's group-wide HSSE programme that aims to create and maintain a safe working environments for both ICTSI employees and clients.
“The new RTGs will improve terminal efficiency and allow us to match demand in terms of operational performance. Terminal utilization currently remains exceptional, and we see no signs of congestion despite the volume influx,” said Mr. Gonzalez.
“Just as important is that we can expect a minimum 40% reduction in carbon emissions and up to 60% better fuel economy. A side benefit is that the smaller engines mean reduced noise levels at the yard," he added.
The Mitsui Engineering & Shipbuilding (MES) hybrid cranes use fuel saving technology that combines 200kVA Li-ion batteries and a smaller diesel engine, resulting in lower carbon emissions and better fuel efficiency. The first batch of eight RTGs is scheduled for delivery in November next year, with the remainder set for delivery by October 2019.
ICTSI is also set to commission five additional quay cranes by 2019, which includes a pair of neo-Panamax cranes. Upon completion, MICT will become the only terminal in the Philippines capable of servicing neo-Panamax boxships with capacities of up to 13,000 teu. ICTSI is also scheduled to construct at least another berth by 2019.
“We are preparing for the era of super-sized ships. All the development we have in the pipeline will ensure MICT, the country’s premier container terminal, will be able to cope with the pressing demand and volume increase,” concluded Gonzalez.
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