By Ruelle Albert D. Castro
International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI) is fast-tracking the second phase development of Manila International Container Terminal’s (MICT) Berths 7 and 8 which will add full backup areas for the future Berths 9 and 10.
ICTSI said itis also refurbishing Berths 1 to 5 and their backup areas, including the installation of an additional 450 reefer plugs for 40 footers, and upgrading the yards of Berths 1 to 5.
The upgrades are designed to further ease transactions and ensure stakeholder needs are addressed as well as to provide added safety and security for all port stakeholders, the company added.
The company said it is also looking to acquire eight new hybrid rubber-tired gantries (RTG) to add to the 32 hybrid RTG fleet acquired starting 2018 which is expected to further improve service levels at the terminal.
The new RTGs will further reduce emissions by 50 percent compared to previous RTGs.
“ICTSI will also decommission MICT’s first quay crane this year, which will be replaced over the next three years by three new quay cranes — all capable of servicing larger vessels of over 12,500-TEU capacity,” the company said.
ICTSI added it recently completed upgrading the entire terminal, including its yard and crane lights, to the more energy-efficient LED lighting systems.
“Expected to eliminate light spills and glare while lowering energy consumption, the terminal expects to save around 1.8 million kWh/year and offset up to 1.09 million tons of carbon dioxide,” it said.
“With our strong focus on environmental stewardship, we understand how technological innovation goes hand in hand with our thrust to improve our ports’ air quality, energy consumption, and waste and water management. In line with this, we continually invest in port infrastructure and facilities that enhance our operational efficiency while simultaneously helping minimize our environmental impact,” said Christian Gonzalez, ICTSI executive vice president.
According to Gonzalez, a substantial part of ICTSI’s 2022 budget has been earmarked for the MICT upgrades “that will further strengthen capacity to effectively serve the world’s larger box ships and the increasing volume that comes with a recovering economy.”
