Productivity matters

International Container Terminal Services Inc (ICTSI) of the Philippines is upgrading its operations in the midst of a regional downturn. The group, which is listed on the Philippine Stock Exchange, recently announced plans to upgrade operations at flagship subsidiary Manila International Container Terminal (MICT). Last year, total ICTSI group container throughput grew 18% to over 2.6 million TEUs. Of this, MICT handled 958,585 TEUs, up 11%. Large-scale plans for its expansion have been shelved until the economy improves. However, expenditures for basic upkeep and upgrading to ensure reliable service continue. As such, MICT is acquiring two new quay cranes and three rubber-tyred gantries (RTG) to boost productivity. The quay cranes will be able to make at least 25 moves per hour compared to 15 moves an hour of those being replaced. Incorporating the latest in crane technology, the model P118L cranes will replace two old cranes of the Philippine Ports Authority. Each has a lifting capacity of 40t under telescopic spreader and 60t under hook beam. It has a seaside outreach of 36m, and a landside outreach of 13.5m. Meanwhile, each of the RTGs (model 6/4/2/GS) has a 40.6t capacity under spreader and a lifting height under spreader of 15.24m. With the installation of the new equipment, the MICT maintains its standing as the largest Philippine port in terms of container handling equipment. It would then have ten quay cranes and 28 RTGs. Bought from Liebherr Container Cranes, the new equipment and all components will be delivered to the terminal in June 2002. Installation on site is expected to be completed four months after delivery. Commissioning is set to begin shortly after that. n