Visayas Container Terminal (VCT), an International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI) facility in Iloilo, Philippines, has undergone modification in preparation for the arrival of two new mobile harbour cranes (MHC).
The MHCs, which are scheduled to arrive in the first week of September, will allow VCT to handle next-generation vessels and accommodate the additional traffic.
The MHCs will reportedly be the largest and first of their kind in Panay and throughout Region 6 of the Philippines. Dredging along the docks will also begin later this month to improve depth capacity in anticipation of the arrival of bigger ships.
Timothee Jeannin, VCT Executive Director, said: “VCT is far from the terminal we took over six months ago. We’ve not only improved the facilities but also grown our team to over 240 organic personnel, who undergo continuous training to ensure top-tier service.
“We also continue to expand our equipment fleet, which include the upcoming MHCs and the recently delivered reach stackers, chassis and forklifts – all part of our commitment to transform VCT into a world-class port.”
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VCT’s container yard now has 33 reefer plugs, which will be doubled in the next two weeks to meet rising demand for perishable commodities and prospective exports from Panay.
The container freight station is reportedly bustling with freight forwarders’ warehousing activity. VCT is now equipped with five new reach stackers, two three-tonner forklifts, six prime movers, two side lifters, a skid loader, and a backhoe.
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Two five-tonne forklifts are expected to arrive in September, followed by a 30-tonne forklift in the fourth quarter of 2024.
Other initiatives planned for this year include further container yard restoration, improvements to engineering facilities and offices, and the building of multifunctional and recreational areas for personnel.
VCT is also currently working with the Philippine Ports Authority – Iloilo to remove derelict vessels and materials from the port’s vicinity to maximize space utilisation.
ICTSI recently published unaudited consolidated financial results for the first half of 2024.
