By Rjay Zuriaga Castor
The Visayas Container Terminal (VCT), managed by International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI), inaugurated the operation of its two new mobile harbor cranes on Wednesday, October 9.
ICTSI said the two new ESP.5 Konecranes Gottwald Mobile Harbor Cranes (MHC), which arrived in September, will enhance the Iloilo port in Loboc, Lapuz as a competitive and efficient trade gateway for Western Visayas.
“The flexibility offered by these MHCs will allow us to deliver an immense improvement in service to our clients,” said Christian R. Gonzalez, ICTSI executive vice president.
“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,” he added.
The cranes have a reach of 46 meters and a lifting capacity of 100 tons each. ICTSI said they are the largest, most modern, and the first of their kind on Panay Island.
The new equipment is expected to enhance VCT’s ability to handle the increasing volume of containerized, bulk, general, and project cargo in the region.
Since January, VCT has handled shipments for three international shipping companies, facilitating cargo movements to destinations such as China, Singapore, the United States, and Europe.
Beyond expanding global trade, the MHCs are expected to streamline operations, reduce vessel and truck turnaround times, improve safety, and increase overall port efficiency.
To ensure optimal use of the cranes, ICTSI provided VCT personnel with training on crane operation and maintenance at its flagship Manila International Container Terminal and South Pacific International Container Terminal in Lae, Papua New Guinea.
“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,” Gonzalez added.
Acting Iloilo City Mayor Jeffrey Ganzon said the new cranes will significantly boost Iloilo’s economy by opening local industries to national and international markets.
“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,” he said.
As the port prepares for larger vessels and increased cargo volumes, John Alexander Rhoss Largo will lead the terminal’s continued expansion as the new VCT chief executive officer, succeeding Timothee Jeannin.
ICTSI began its commercial operations at the Iloilo port in April. Under Jeannin’s leadership, VCT made significant investments in facility upgrades through the acquisition of modern equipment.
In addition to the new cranes, the port is equipped with five reach stackers, five empty handlers, 15 prime movers, 15 trailers, and 66 reefer plugs.
Ongoing developments at VCT include dredging along the terminal’s berths to increase depth capacity for larger ships and the rehabilitation of the container yard.
