ILOILO CITY — The Visayas Container Terminal (VCT), a business unit of International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI), has bolstered its operations with the deployment of two state-of-the-art mobile harbor cranes (MHCs), the first of their kind on Panay Island. This development is expected to position Iloilo as a more competitive and efficient trade gateway for Western Visayas.
During a ribbon-cutting ceremony, local government officials, including Iloilo Governor Arthur R. Defensor Jr. and Vice Mayor Jeffrey P. Ganzon, along with ICTSI executives, celebrated the operational launch of the cranes, which are part of ICTSI’s ongoing modernization efforts at the Iloilo port.
“These new cranes, the largest and most modern in Panay Island, represent our commitment to pursue a culture of efficiency and advancement,” 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.”
Vice Mayor Ganzon echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the cranes’ potential to drive Iloilo’s economic growth by enhancing the port’s cargo handling capabilities and 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,” Ganzon said.
Manufactured by Konecranes, each of the two ESP.5 Gottwald MHCs has a reach of 46 meters and a lifting capacity of 100 tons. These cranes are expected to significantly improve the terminal’s efficiency, with faster vessel and truck turnaround times, improved safety measures, and greater capacity for handling containerized, bulk, general, and project cargo.
As part of the modernization, ICTSI has also invested in additional port equipment, including new reach stackers, trailers, prime movers, and empty container handlers. VCT is expanding its bulk operations and installing reefer stacks to meet the growing demand for refrigerated cargo, which will further enhance the region’s trade infrastructure.
ICTSI has provided specialized training for VCT personnel at the Manila International Container Terminal and its South Pacific International Container Terminal in Papua New Guinea to ensure the expert operation and maintenance of the new equipment.
The company’s commitment to Iloilo extends beyond port modernization. ICTSI’s Foundation, its social responsibility arm, continues to support youth development, environmental protection, and community welfare initiatives in the region. Gonzalez noted that the company is focused on contributing to local economic growth through job creation and partnerships with local contractors.
“We were particularly drawn to Iloilo because of its advantageous location, dynamic leadership, and growth potential,” Gonzalez said. “We hope to pay back your trust and hospitality by becoming an engaged and responsible member of the Iloilo community.”
The new cranes and other port upgrades are part of ICTSI’s 25-year concession to develop and operate the Iloilo port, which it secured in January 2024. The upgrades are set to transform Iloilo into a modern, efficient trade gateway, further integrating Western Visayas into both national and international trade networks.
