ICTSI upgrades Philippines terminal for larger containerships

The container terminal operator is ordering 20 rubber tired gantry cranes and five post-Panamax quay cranes capable of servicing up to 13,000-TEU vessels for its Manila International Container Terminal.    International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI) is ordering mega vessel handling equipment for its Manila International Container Terminal (MICT), including 20 rubber tired gantry cranes and five post-Panamax quay cranes capable of servicing up to 13,000-TEU vessels.
   The new cranes will have a maximum reach of 20 containers across with a twin lift rated load capacity, the terminal operator said Monday.
   The purchase, along with the construction of another berth, is part of the $80 million capital equipment program for the terminal.
   Previous upgrades to MICT included a yard expansion in 2014 and the installation of new-generation reach stackers in 2015, increasing annual capacity to 2.75 million TEUs.
   After handling 2 million TEUs last year, the Philippine Ports Authority committed to a capacity improvement program by 2019, with the first three cranes scheduled for delivery in early 2018.
   In addition to crane and berth upgrades, ICTSI has several other projects under consideration, including reviving the rail link between MICT and the Laguna Gateway Inland Container Terminal in Calamba, as well as the possibility of a roll-on/roll-off barge terminal in Cavite, south of Metro Manila.