New equipment to further reduce carbon emissions
ICTSI’s purchase of MES hybrid RTGs further reaffirms the company’s environmental commitment to reduce MICT’s carbon footprint.
ICTSI’s purchase of MES hybrid RTGs further reaffirms the company’s environmental commitment to reduce MICT’s carbon footprint.
International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI) will soon be deploying 16 hybrid rubber tired gantries (RTG) at the Manila International Container Terminal.  The USD22 million equipment purchase is part of ICTSI’s USD80 million capital equipment program for its flagship terminal. Christian R. Gonzalez, ICTSI senior vice president and head of Asia-Pacific and MICT, says the new RTGs, the first of their kind in the Philippine ports system, will not only boost operations, but will further enhance ICTSI's HSSE group-wide program that aims to create and maintain safe working environments for both ICTSI employees and clients.    Mr. Gonzalez explains:  “The new RTGs will improve terminal efficiency and allow us to match demand in terms of operational performance.  Terminal utilization currently remains exceptional, and we see no signs of congestion despite the volume influx,” said Mr. Gonzalez.  “Just as important is that we can expect a minimum 40 percent reduction in carbon emissions and up to 60 percent better fuel economy.  A side benefit is that the smaller engines mean reduced noise levels at the yard." The MES hybrid uses diesel fuel saving technology that combines 200kVA Li-ion batteries and a smaller diesel engine, resulting in lower carbon emissions and better fuel efficiency.  Manufactured by Japanese shipbuilder and equipment maker Mitsui Engineering & Shipbuilding Co. Ltd. (MES), the Mitsui Li-ion Hybrid RTG can stack one over five containers high and six containers wide, including truck roadway.  It has a rated load of 40 metric tons. The first batch is scheduled for delivery in November next year, with the remaining eight to be turned over by October 2019.  ICTSI is also set to commission five additional quay cranes by 2019, which includes a pair of neo-Panamax cranes.  Upon completion, MICT will become the only terminal in the Philippines capable of servicing neo-Panamax boxships with capacities of up to 13,000 TEUs. “We are preparing for the era of super-sized ships.  All the development we have in the pipeline will ensure MICT, the country’s premier container terminal, will be able to cope with the pressing demand and volume increase,” said Mr. Gonzalez. Last December, MICT achieved a milestone with its first year-to-date two millionth TEU move.  This triggered a multi-billion peso capacity improvement commitment with the Philippine Ports Authority, requiring ICTSI to commission additional equipment and construct at least another berth by 2019.