MICT boosts sustainability with new hybrid RTGs and expansion plans

Manila International Container Terminal (MICT), the flagship terminal of International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI) and the Philippines’ primary international trade gateway, has made a significant move to address customer needs while promoting eco-friendly operations with the arrival of eight hybrid rubber-tired gantries (RTGs) equipped with near-zero emission (NZE) technology.

Built by Japan’s Mitsui Engineering & Shipbuilding (MES), these state-of-the-art RTGs highlight MICT’s ongoing investment in cutting-edge equipment and technology to enhance productivity and uphold environmental responsibility.

The new RTGs, powered by a combination of a 100-kilovolt-ampere (kVA) lithium-ion battery and a smaller diesel engine, cut emissions by 60 to 70% compared to traditional RTGs.

Unlike conventional RTGs, the new equipment uses the smaller diesel engine mainly to charge the lithium-ion batteries that drive the electric motors of the cranes, reducing dependence on fossil fuels and significantly lowering emissions.

Additionally, the NZE hybrid RTGs are equipped with regenerative braking systems, capturing energy during braking to recharge the batteries and improve overall efficiency.

This hybrid technology also leads to significant fuel savings. MICT anticipates reducing fuel consumption by more than 761,800 litres annually, a marked improvement over the 644,600 litres used by the terminal’s existing hybrid RTGs. This will result in a reduction of 1.97 kilotons of carbon dioxide emissions each year, supporting MICT’s decarbonization efforts and sustainability objectives.

Christian R. Gonzalez, ICTSI executive vice president, commented: “The arrival of these near-zero emission RTGs further underpins our commitment to reducing our environmental footprint while enhancing operational capabilities. These new RTGs will improve our productivity, lower carbon emissions, and provide better service to our customers.”

With the arrival of the new RTGs, MICT now operates the largest container-handling fleet in the Philippines, including 18 quay cranes and 52 RTGs.

In addition to fleet upgrades, MICT is in the midst of a major expansion, which includes the second phase of Berth 8 construction and preparations for Berths 9 and 10. When completed in 2027, Berth 8 will increase yard capacity by 200,000 TEUs and accommodate larger vessels up to 18,000 TEUs.

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