The Visayas Container Terminal (VCT), a cargo handling facility operated by International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI) in Iloilo, Philippines, has improved its operational capabilities with the addition of two new ESP.5 Konecranes Gottwald mobile harbour cranes (MHCs).
These advanced cranes, the largest and first of their kind on the island of Panay, are set to raise the bar for port operations in the region.
“These cranes are game changers for the Visayas market. We are excited to integrate them into our operations after five months since VCT started commercial operations at the Iloilo Commercial Port Complex,” stated Timothee Jeannin, VCT executive director.
Each crane boasts a maximum reach of 46 meters and a top lifting capacity of 100 tons, making them well-suited for handling a diverse range of cargo, including containerized, bulk, general, and project cargo. The new cranes will enhance the terminal’s efficiency by enabling faster turnaround times for vessels and trucks, while also improving overall port safety and operations.
“Our commitment to providing world-class service to the Visayas market goes beyond investing in equipment as we are also investing in our workers. We sent VCT personnel to train at the Manila International Container Terminal and South Pacific International Container Terminal in Papua New Guinea on crane operation and maintenance to ensure we maximize the use of the equipment,” said Jeannin.
The full commissioning of these cranes is expected to take a couple of weeks.
In addition to the new cranes, VCT is undergoing several other improvements. These include dredging the terminal’s berths to accommodate larger vessels, rehabilitating the container yard, upgrading engineering facilities, and creating green spaces and recreational areas for employees.
“We monitored the production of these cranes from the first day since we ordered them, ensuring that they are made according to our specification,” noted Gareth Scott, ICTSI equipment procurement and commissioning director.
