International Container Terminal Services Inc. said Monday it will acquire the most modern equipment for its Manila port as a part of a massive capacity building program.
The order for the Manila International Container Terminal includes five post-Panamax quay cranes capable of servicing up to 13,000-TEU boxships, the largest in the intra-Asia trade. MICT will also order 20 rubber tired gantry cranes.
The purchase, along with the construction of another berth, is a part of ICTSI’s $80-million capital equipment program for MICT.
It said with a maximum reach of 20 containers across and twin lift rated load capability, the post-Panamax quay cranes are capable of servicing single-ocean box ships, or vessels that are too large to pass through the Panama Canal.
The capital equipment program would enable MICT to service new generation vessels with capacities of up to 13,000 TEUs, setting a new standard for container terminal operation in the country.
“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,” said ICTSI senior vice president Christian Gonzalez.
The 2 millionth TEU milestone triggered a multi-billion peso capacity improvement commitment with the Philippine Ports Authority.
The program is in line with the projected increase in container movement as a result of an improving Philippine economy despite the global downturn in the container shipping industry.
“We have 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,” Gonzalez said.
