International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI) is committing to more investments into its Congo operation.
This follows after the company inaugurated four new hybrid rubber-tired gantries (RTG) in its Matadi Gateway Terminal (MGT) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
ICTSI said the new investments “will advance terminal efficiency and provide easier access to the Port of Matadi— all for the benefit of clients and port users.”
“The hybrid RTGs, the first of their kind in African ports, will level up the terminal’s efficiency and productivity while ensuring minimal impact on the environment. They are powered by a combination of battery and diesel engine, which generate less carbon emission,” the company added.
Hans-Ole Madsen, ICTSI regional head-Europe, Middle East and Africa, said the new hybrid RTGs will further improve the terminal’s productivity while emitting less greenhouse gas.
“We also anticipate reduced truck waiting times at the yard and faster turnaround times for terminal tractors during ship unloading activities. These improvements reflect ICTSI’s firm commitment to creating sustainable growth by prioritizing both operational efficiency and environmental responsibility,” he said.
MGT is the third terminal in the ICTSI Group that utilizes hybrid RTGs. ICTSI currently operates 46 hybrid RTGs — 40 of which are deployed at ICTSI’s flagship Manila International Container Terminal and two at Mindanao Container Terminal, both in the Philippines.
“ICTSI looks to acquire more hybrid RTGs and convert its existing fleet to hybrids where possible,” the company said.
MGT, meanwhile, has also launched the Western Urban Road Project with the ceremonial laying of the first stone led by Governor Guy BanduNdungidi of Kongo Central Province.
MGT will fund the construction of a 2.65-kilometer road — 906 meters of which will be built and 1,746 meters will be rehabilitated — that will connect the Port of Matadi to Kinkanda traffic circle, passing through Sep Congo and the RN14.
“Upon completion, the new urban road will improve access to the port and ease traffic in the city of Matadi,” ICTSI said.
ICTSI added that Phase 2 development of the MGT is ongoing that includes the acquisition of new equipment and expansion of the yard and the berth.
“Scheduled for completion in the last quarter of 2023, this development will increase the length of the terminal’s berth from 350 meters to 500 meters, and annual capacities to 400,000 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) and 800,000 metric tons,” it said.
“These investments highlight ICTSI’s commitment to advance supply chain capabilities of D.R. Congo by making the port more efficient, accessible and globally competitive,” the company added.
MGT is a jointventure between ICTSI and La Société De Gestion Immobilií¨re Lengo (SIMOBILE). In 2014, the parties signed an agreement to develop a container and general cargo terminal along the river bank of the Congo River at MbenguMatadi.
SIMOBILE is a concessionaire of a parcel of land along the Congo River in Mbengu.
