Mindanao Container Terminal (MCT), recently took delivery of two Mitsui hybrid rubber tired gantries (RTG) – the first in Mindanao, expanding its RTG fleet to six units to boost yard productivity without adding to its carbon footprint.
Unlike conventional RTGs that are 100 percent powered by fossil fuel, Mitsui hybrids run on a combination of lithium-ion battery and smaller diesel engines.
“The hybrid RTGs make our operations more efficient, at the same time more environment friendly because of the reduced emissions, allowing us to hit both our productivity and sustainability targets," explained Aurelio Garcia, MCT general manager.
"We’re also commissioning additional equipment to meet expanding capacity requirements,” he noted.
MCT, International Container Terminal Services, Inc.’s (ICTSI) container handling facility in Misamis Oriental, is also set to take delivery of a new side lifter within the year.
To improve vessel-handling capability, MCT has purchased a mobile harbor crane that will arrive by the first half of 2023.
It will augment MCT’s two quay cranes and enable the simultaneous handling of two longer vessels.
The purchase of new equipment comes after the 100-meter berth extension and installation of dolphin mooring and inland bollards back in 2020.
These improvements are all geared towards addressing the increase in volume and service demand as the global economy slowly begins to recover from the impact of the pandemic.
MCT develops, manages, and operates the container terminal at the PHIVIDEC Industrial Estate in Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental.
It provides full terminal operations and supports the Philippines’ agro-industrial sectors in Mindanao as well as the country’s international standing as a leader in fresh and canned pineapple trade.