Posted on September 11, 2024
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Visayas Container Terminal receives two new ESP.5 Konecranes Gottwald mobile harbor cranes
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Designed to operate on standard class vessels, the cranes each have a maximum reach of 46 meters and top lifting capacity of 100 tons
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Other ongoing developments in VCT include dredging along the terminal’s berths; further rehabilitation of container yard; improvement of engineering facilities; and greening and development of multipurpose and recreation spaces for employees
Visayas Container Terminal (VCT) has taken delivery of two new ESP.5 Konecranes Gottwald mobile harbor cranes (MHC).
The new MHCs—the largest and first of their kind in the island of Panay—will elevate the standard of port operations in the region, VCT mother company International Container Terminal Services, Inc. said in a statement.
Designed to operate on standard class vessels, the cranes each have a maximum reach of 46 meters and top lifting capacity of 100 tons. These will enable VCT to handle the increasing volume of containerized, bulk, general and project cargo in Panay and Region 6. The introduction of these equipment class will also streamline the terminal’s operation, resulting in faster turnaround times for vessels and trucks, as well as better overall port efficiency and safety.
“These cranes are game changers for the Visayas market. We are excited to integrate them to our operations after five months since VCT started commercial operations at the Iloilo Commercial Port Complex,” VCT executive director Timothee Jeannin said.
Aside from the new equipment, Jeannin noted that ICTSI is also investing in its workers, sending their personnel to train on crane operation and maintenance at two other ICTSI operations—Manila International Container Terminal and South Pacific International Container Terminal in Papua New Guinea.
“We monitored the production of these cranes from the first day since we ordered them, ensuring that they are made according to our specification,” said Gareth Scott, ICTSI equipment procurement and commissioning director. ICTSI said it will take a couple of weeks for the MHCs to be fully commissioned.
Other ongoing developments in VCT include dredging along the terminal’s berths to increase depth capacity in preparation for the arrival of larger ships; further rehabilitation of container yard; improvement of engineering facilities; and greening and development of multipurpose and recreation spaces for employees.
ICTSI last January was awarded the 25-year concession contract to operate and develop Iloilo Commercial Port Complex, which it renamed VCT. The terminal started commercial operations under ICTSI last April. Since then, ICTSI said it continues to expedite facility upgrades, IT system implementation, and deployment of other modern cargo handling equipment at VCT.
Under the contract, VCT’s operations will exclusively serve foreign vessels and cargoes. For the first five years, domestic vessels and cargoes are permitted until the Fort San Pedro port development turnover.
