OPERATIONAL. The Visayas Container Terminal (VCT) operationalizes its two new mobile harbor cranes (MHS) in a ceremony at the Iloilo Commercial Port Complex in Iloilo City on Wednesday (Oct. 9, 2024). The new cranes, the largest and most modern in Panay Island, are seen to enhance the Iloilo port as a competitive and efficient trade gateway for Western Visayas. (PNA photo by PGLena)
ILOILO CITY – The Visayas Container Terminal (VCT), the business unit of the International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI) in Iloilo, on Wednesday put into operation its two new mobile harbor cranes (MHS), boosting this city as a competitive and efficient trade gateway for Western Visayas.
“These new cranes, the largest and most modern in Panay Island, represent our commitment to pursue a culture of efficiency and advancement. The flexibility offered by these MHCs will allow us to deliver an immense improvement in service to our clients,” ICTSI executive vice president Christian Gonzales said in his speech during the inaugural operation of the MHCs at the Iloilo Commercial Port Complex here on Wednesday.
Each MHC has a reach of 46 meters with a lifting capacity of 100 tons, boosting the ability of the VCT to handle the increasing volume of containerized, bulk, general, and cargo projects in the region, according to the VCT statement.
“The new technology is expected to streamline operations, leading to faster turnaround times for vessels and trucks, improved safety, and greater port efficiency,” it added.
In an interview, outgoing VCT executive director Timothee Jeannin said they have made significant improvements in the terminal facilities and strategic civil works since the firm started operating in April this year.
The VCT has acquired new reach stackers, prime movers and empty container handlers, and expanded its bulk operations with additional bagging machines, clamshells and mobile equipment.
“We also secured the necessary mobile equipment to improve our operational capacities. It is one phase of VCT, which is already achieved and secured. We already secured some specific clients,” Jeannin said.
To accommodate all vessels coming, Jeannin said, they decided to dredge berths 2, 3, and 4, which were not in their original plan.
A new international trade service from Vietnam to Iloilo will have its first call this late October.
Its current international services are from Tianjin, Yantai, Qingdao, Shanghai, Wenzhou, and Xiamen to Iloilo; and Singapore to Iloilo, connecting cargoes from the United States, European Union, and other global ports.
Acting Iloilo City Mayor Jeffrey Ganzon, in his message, said the arrival of the MHCs is more than just an addition to the port facilities, but also represents the future of the city’s economy.
“This port modernization that we are currently witnessing will create more investment opportunities across the region. 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. (PNA)
