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ICTSI invests over $20m in IT at Manila terminal

International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI) has invested more than $20m in information technology (IT) for its flagship Manila International Container Terminal (MICT) in the last 10 years.

Michele Labrut, Americas Correspondent

May 12, 2022

1 Min Read
ICTSI  Manila MCT view
Photo: ICTSI

“The investments in technology are meant to crisis-proof the terminal, safeguard shipments and system processes, maximise the efficiency of its operations and maintain ICTSI’s world-class brand of customer service,” commented Christian R. Gonzalez, ICTSI Executive Vice President.

Last year ICTSI partnered with PLDT last year for the roll out of 5G at the terminal. MICT is currently utilising the technology to automatically weigh containers using spreader load cells in rubber tire gantries (RTG) helping shorten truck drivers’ stay at the port as they no longer need to queue to use the terminal’s weigh bridges.

In 2015, ICTSI launched the Terminal Appointment Booking System (TABS) at MICT to facilitate the seamless flow of cargo in and out of the port.  The MICT is currently working on the TABS Manifesting System, which automatically captures container data and truck plate numbers during the booking process.

A new MICT app is also currently under development.  The new app is designed to give port users access to several services like Track & Trace across multiple ICTSI terminals, online payment and eventually TABS booking.  It will also include features like GPS location and ETA, geofenced gate-in and yard locations for drivers.

An online payment system launched in 2017 suffered from poor traction prior to the pandemic had a mere 30% adoption rate.  Covid lockdowns saw take up shoot up from 30% to 100%.

Related:ICTSI expanding Manila terminal to handle 18,000 teu boxships

A similar payment system is also currently being developed for NorthPort, Subic Bay International Terminals and Mindanao Container Terminal.  The system is scheduled for launch within the year.

“ICTSI will continue to take advantage of new technologies to push our efficiencies for the benefit of our customers,” concluded Gonzalez.

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About the Author

Michele Labrut

Americas Correspondent

Michèle Labrut is a long-time Panama resident, a journalist and correspondent, and has continuously covered the maritime sector of Central & Latin America.

Michèle first came to Panama as a press attaché to the French Embassy and then returned to the isthmus as a foreign correspondent in the 1980s.

Author of Seatrade Maritime's annual Panama Maritime Review magazine and of several books, Michèle also wrote for Time magazine, The Miami Herald, NBC News and the Economist Intelligence Unit. She has also collaborated in making several documentaries for the BBC and European and U.S. television networks.

Michèle's profession necessitates a profound knowledge of the country, but her acumen is not from necessity alone, but a genuine passion for Panama.

In 2012 she was awarded the Order of Merit (Knight grade) by the French Government for her services to international journalism and in 2021 the upgrade to Chevalier grade.

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