International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI) said its flagship Manila International Container Terminal (MICT) is now servicing CMA CGM Passion — the first liquefied natural gas-powered container vessel to dock at the terminal.

The vessel made its inaugural port call at the port of Manila’s MICT on September 26.

The 7,327 twenty-foot equivalent unit CMA CGM Passion operates under CNC’s KCS service, which offers direct sailings between South China and the Philippines, ICTSI said.

Headquartered in Singapore, CNC is a leading intra-Asia short-sea specialist and a fully integrated subsidiary of the CMA CGM Group.

“This weekly service connects key ports in China, Indonesia, and the Philippines, including Xingang, Dalian, Lianyungang, Qingdao, Singapore, Jakarta, Surabaya, and Manila,” ICTSI said.

It also provides one of the fastest transit times from Qingdao to Singapore and Indonesia.

“This landmark call reinforces our efforts to reduce the environmental impact of MICT’s operations, which include investing in hybrid rubber-tired gantries that require less fuel and generate cleaner emissions. We hope to handle more green ships as the industry moves towards decarbonization,” said Christian Lozano, MICT chief operating officer.

CMA CGM Passion is the largest capacity boxship handled by MICT to date.

With the capability to accommodate the largest vessels being cascaded to the Philippines, MICT is well-positioned to enhance the country’s foreign trade by promoting stronger trade connectivity and making the Port of Manila more globally competitive.