The order for Manila International Container Terminal (MICT) includes five post-panamax quay cranes capable of servicing containerships of up to 13,000 teu, the largest currently in the intra-Asia trade. The order also includes 20 rubber-tyred gantry (RTG) cranes.
The order together with the construction of another berth is part of ICTSI’s $80m capital equipment program for MICT, which will enable the terminal to service new generation vessels with capacities of up to 13,000 teu, setting a new standard for container terminal handling in the country.
ICTSI’s Christian Gonzalez said: “Hitting the two million mark last year is a clear indication that we need to further expand our operation in response to the direction of the market. We also have to address the growing consolidation trend happening with major carriers that have them deploying larger capacity vessels.”
He added that ICTSI has always been “steps ahead of the game” in terms of planning: “By the way things are looking, there is a legitimate need to invest in equipment and construct an additional berth in the near future. We need to ensure expansion is ahead of the curve in terms of being prepared for an increase in vessel sizes.”
ICTSI has several other projects in the pipeline to become a complete logistics provider in the Philippines, including the revival of the rail link between MICT and the recently opened Laguna Gateway Inland Container Terminal in Calamba, and construction of a roll on-roll off barge terminal in Cavite.