ICTSI Manila gets new gantry cranes to lower fuel consumption, emissions

INTERNATIONAL Container Terminal Services Inc's (ICTSI) flagship Manila International Container Terminal (MICT) has taken delivery of the first four of 16 new hybrid rubber-tyred gantries (RTG) on order, as part of the company's long-term investment in capacity enhancement and environmental efficiency. A first in the country and manufactured by Mitsui Engineering & Shipbuilding Co (MES) of Japan, the Mitsui Li-ion Hybrid RTG is equipped with a 200kVA Li-ion battery and a smaller diesel engine that dramatically improves the carbon footprint of the terminal.

Once fully commissioned, the hybrid RTGs are expected to further boost MICT's container yard productivity and underscore the group's commitment to ensure an environment-friendly supply chain that includes the objective to expand the use of next generation energy-efficient cargo handling equipment and vehicle fleets.

Seen to reduce carbon emissions by 40 per cent and noise levels at the container yard, and achieve up to 60 per cent better fuel consumption, these hybrids reaffirm the company's efforts to minimise the impact of port operations at its Manila flagship.

'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,' said global corporate head Christian Gonzalez.

Two super post-Panamax quay cranes and 12 more hybrid RTGs are due to arrive before the end of the first half of 2019. Three QCs delivered in 2018, including the first pair of neo-Panamax cranes in the Philippines, are already operational.

Capacity improvements are also underway at the Manila flagship, among which includes the first phase construction of berths seven and eight, and back-up areas for the future berths nine and ten.

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