Visayas Container Terminal (VCT), an International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI) business entity in Iloilo, has installed two new mobile harbour cranes (MHC), the first of their type on Panay Island.
The cranes were inaugurated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The event was led by Governor Arthur R. Defensor Jr., Iloilo Provincial Governor; Jeffrey P. Ganzon, Iloilo City Vice Mayor; Raisa Treñas-Chu, Mayor Jerry Treñas’ delegate; Atty. Jay Daniel R. Santiago, Philippine Ports Authority General Manager; and Christian R. Gonzalez, ICTSI Executive Vice President.
They were joined by Timothee Jeannin, the departing VCT Executive Director, and John Alexander Rhoss Largo, the new VCT CEO.
Gonzalez said: “These new cranes, the largest and most modern in Panay Island, represent our commitment to pursue a culture of efficiency and advancement. The flexibility offered by these MHCs will allow us to deliver an immense improvement in service to our clients.
“By providing state-of-the-art resources, we are enabling our people to achieve results beyond the ordinary for the greater good of our stakeholders and the local economy.”
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Vice Mayor Ganzon stated: “With VCT’s increased operational efficiency, greater cargo handling capacity, and enhanced connectivity, this will allow our businesses to meet the rising demand of our thriving local economy and bolster our competitiveness in national and international trade.”
Konecranes built each of the two new ESP.5 Gottwald MHCs, which have a reach of 46 metres and a lifting capability of 100 tonnes.
They intend to improve VCT’s capacity to manage the growing volume of containerised, bulk, general, and project cargo in the region. The new technology is designed to expedite operations, resulting in shorter turnaround times for vessels and trucks, increased safety, and enhanced port efficiency.
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To ensure that the new cranes are used effectively, ICTSI trained VCT workers on crane operation and maintenance at its flagship Manila International Container Terminal (MICT) and the South Pacific International Container Terminal (SPICT) in Lae, Papua New Guinea.
The terminal is also growing its bulk operations by adding new bagging machines, clamshells, and mobile equipment. Furthermore, VCT is constructing reefer stacks to accommodate the increased demand for chilled freight.
Gonzalez added: “ICTSI has always been committed to investing in the Philippines, and we were particularly drawn to Iloilo because of its advantageous location, dynamic leadership, business-centricity and growth potential.”
In September, VCT announced the arrival of the two Konecranes MHC.