International Container Terminal Services, Inc (ICTSI) has announced that its South Pacific International Container Terminal (SPICT) in Lae, Papua New Guinea has received three hybrid rubber-tyred-gantry cranes (RTGs).
The equipment delivery, which took place ahead of schedule, is part of an ongoing initiative launched by ICTSI to improve the operational efficiency of SPICT, Papua New Guinea’s “leading” container terminal.
According to a statement, ICTSI’s investment of over US$4.6 million has enabled SPICT to surge ahead of its 2022 commitments and 50% above the initial agreed outlay on enhanced operations.
Jupiter Kalambakal, of ICTSI, discusses the Manila Terminal in a recent Port Technology technical paper
The three RTGs, which are expected to enter operations before the end of March, have a lifting capacity of 41 tons and are able to run on both diesel and electric power.
The cranes also include safety and productivity features such as Active Load Control to prevent load sway, auto-steering with container positioning interfaced to the terminal operating system (TOS), and a solution for stack collision prevention.
In addition to this, each of the RTGs will be automation-ready one commissioning is completed.
South Pacific International Container Terminal (SPICT) in Lae, Papua New Guinea (Credit: ICTSI)
Anil Singh, ICTSI South Pacific CEO, commented on the cranes’ arrival: “We are very proud of this order. It is the result of our commitment to innovation and proven performance around the world, and it will further strengthen our presence in Papua New Guinea.”
Singh also highlighted the importance of education, with six new crane operators from Papua New Guinea currently undergoing training at ICTSI’s flagship Manila terminal. Three of the recruits are also female. (Read more: Meet the Female Pioneers at Colombo Port)
“Technology is a central part of our terminal operations, and investment is being placed in training to grow competency and skills because it is people who drive the technology.”