MICT Berth 6 receives 10 new cranes
Global port operator International Container Terminal Services Inc. yesterday said it has taken delivery of two new post-Panamax quay (QC) cranes and eight rubber-tired gantry (RTG) cranes for the new berth of its flagship Manila International Container Terminal (MICT).
Berth 6, the latest addition to the wharves at the country’s biggest container terminal, is set to be inaugurated today at the MICT.
Christian Gonzalez, ICTSI vice president and MICT general manager, said the equipment is part of the company’s $200 million worth of investments the port operator has made to develop the hub.
“ICTSI remains committed not only to our contractual obligations with the Philippine government but also to our clients’ need for timely and efficient service and for an expanded terminal capacity to facilitate improving volumes at the MICT,” Gonzalez said in a statement.
He said the cranes were made by the Chinese industrial and heavy equipment maker, Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industry Co. Ltd. (ZPMC).
With the delivery of the new equipment, MICT now has a total of 12 quay cranes.
Each quay crane has a 65-ton full twin-lift capacity capable of lifting containers on 18-container-wide vessels. The twin-lift spreaders are manufactured by Stinis of the Netherlands.
Gonzalez also said a third quay crane is scheduled for delivery soon.
“A third QC is on order and is expected for delivery early next year. The RTGs, on the other hand, are manufactured by Cargotec of Finland,” Gonzalez said in the statement.
“The Berth 6 equipment will significantly boost operations and enhance terminal capacity. The QCs and RTGs we bought are among the top of the line in their class, and employ the latest and leading edge in port technology,” Gonzalez added.
In 2008, ICTSI commenced construction of Berth 6 as part of the company’s contractual commitment to the Philippine Ports Authority and in response to continuing growth of volume at the MICT.
The new berth has a 300-meter straight wharf with a controlling depth or draft of 12 meters. The berth could be extended by a further 300 meters and dredged to 14.5 meters when needed, the port operator said.
The berth is capable of servicing two vessels at a time or one new-generation ship with capacities more than double carriers that call Manila today, ICTSI said.
The berth’s Phase One 12-hectare container yard has more than 8,000 slots for containers.