An investment worth $10.7 million, the new RTGs will arrive in two batches beginning June next year in time for the startup of Berth 6, another multi-million dollar investment.
The order will raise the terminal’s RTG fleet from the current 37 to 45, the largest RTG fleet in the Philippines and among the other ICTSI-operated terminals worldwide. Furthermore, this investment, together with the startup of Berth 6, will raise the MICT’s current annual capacity of 1.9 million TEUs to 2.5 million TEUs. The MICT is ICTSI’s flagship operation.
The new Kalmar RTGs employ the latest technology to provide optimum efficiency. They are configured to provide one over five high stacking and six containers plus roadway wide. Precise container handling is enhanced through the latest Siemens Sinamics technology in which container sway is controlled through an automatic electronic system. Operation speeds are higher than existing cranes but with lower noise and less exhaust emission. Emphasis was placed on economy of operation, and it is anticipated that these RTGs will yield fuel savings of at least 20 percent compared to the current fleet.
Maintenance, too, is reduced thanks to elimination of hydraulic sytems and extended intervals between engine lube, coolant and overhaul periods, all of which translates to reduced labor and lower consumable material costs.
Operator comfort is also increased with cabins that are equipped with high efficiency air conditioning, comfortable suspension seats, a low noise environment and state of the art joystick controls.
All of the usual features familiar to MICT operators such as fully automatic steering, CCTV and container position reporting are also provided to ensure that ICTSI's premier port remains at the forefront of operational efficiency.
On top of this, an order has been placed for two new ZPMC super post-Panamax quay cranes also for the new Berth 6. These cranes, capable of lifting containers on 18-container wide vessels will enter service in 2012 and share many of the high technology features incorporated into the RTG design.
