ICTSI's box terminal in Manila takes delivery of cranes for Berth 6

INTERNATIONAL Container Terminal Services Inc (ICTSI) has taken delivery of two new postpanamax quay cranes and eight rubber tyre gantries (RTG) to fit out the new Berth 6 at its Manila International Container Terminal (MICT).

The new container handling equipment is part of a US$200 million investment programme in Berth 6 that is designed to boost operations and enhance terminal capacity at MICT.

"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," said Christian Gonzalez, ICTSI vice president and MICT general manager.

The new quay cranes, manufactured by Shanghai's ZPMC, each have 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 Netherlands.

The new quay cranes bring the number of ship-to-shore at MICT to 12. A third quay crane is on order, and delivery is scheduled for early next year. RTGs are manufactured by Cargotec of Finland.

Construction of Berth 6 started in 2008 as part of ICTSI's contractual obligation to the Philippine Ports Authority and in response to continuing growth of volume at MICT, a statement from the parent company said.

The new berth has a 300-metre straight wharf with a controlling depth of 12 metres. The berth could be further extended by 300 metres, and further dredged to 14.5 metres when needed. Its phase one 12-hectare container yard has over 8,000 slots for containers.