Matadi Gateway Terminal (MGT), International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI)’s terminal in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, has unveiled new investments to benefit the Port of Matadi.
Minister Marc Ekila, D.R. Congo National Minister of Transport and Communication, and Hans-Ole Madsen, ICTSI Regional Head – Europe, Middle East and Africa, led the recent inauguration of MGT’s four new Rubber-Tyred Gantry (RTG) cranes.
The hybrid RTGs aim to improve the terminal’s efficiency and productivity while ensuring minimal impact on the environment.
According to ICTSI, they are powered by a combination of battery and diesel engine, which generate less carbon emission.
“Our team takes great pride in investing in port infrastructure and equipment that not only boosts operational efficiency but also minimises our environmental footprint,” stated Madsen.
“These hybrid RTGs will further improve the terminal’s productivity while emitting less greenhouse gas,” Madsen added.
READ: ICTSI plans 3.5 million TEU boost in Manila
He followed that ICTSI also anticipates reduced truck waiting times at the yard and faster turnaround times for terminal tractors during ship unloading activities.
“These improvements reflect ICTSI’s firm commitment to creating sustainable growth by prioritising both operational efficiency and environmental responsibility,” said Madsen.
MGT is the third terminal in the ICTSI Group that utilises hybrid RTGs.
The group currently operates 46 hybrid RTGs – 40 of which are deployed at ICTSI’s flagship Manila International Container Terminal and two at Mindanao Container Terminal.
READ: ICTSI Manila, Autosweep improve gate process for trucks
ICTSI reportedly looks to acquire more hybrid RTGs and convert its existing fleet to hybrids where possible.
Aside from inaugurating new equipment, MGT also launched the Western Urban Road Project with the ceremonial laying of the first stone led by Governor of Kongo Central Province, Guy Bandu Ndungidi.
MGT will fund the construction of a 2.65-kilometre road, 906 metres of which will be built and 1,746 will be rehabilitated – that will connect the Port of Matadi to Kinkanda traffic circle, passing through Sep Congo and the RN14.
In addition to the building a new road, Phase 2 development for MGT is ongoing.
This includes the acquisition of new equipment, expansion of the yard, and the berth.
Scheduled for completion in the last quarter of 2023, this development is planned to increase the length of the terminal’s berth from 350 metres to 500 metres, and annual capacities to 400,000 TEU and 800,000 metric tonnes.
In February 2019, MGT and ICTSI revealed its plans to unlock new “economies of scale”.
