VISAYAS Container Terminal (VCT), a unit of International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI) in Iloilo, has launched two new mobile harbor cranes (MHCs) to enhance its role as a trade gateway for Western Visayas.
Christian Gonzalez, ICTSI executive vice president, said, “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. 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.”
A ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the cranes’ inauguration, led by Iloilo Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. and other dignitaries, including Gonzalez.
VCT’s mobile harbor cranes are now operational. At the ribbon-cutting ceremony are (from left) Philippine Ports Authority General Manager Jay Daniel Santiago, ICTSI Executive Vice President Christian Gonzalez, Iloilo City Vice Mayor Jeffrey Ganzon, Iloilo Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr., and Iloilo City mayor’s daughter Raisa Treñas. PHOTO from ICTSI
Vice Mayor Jeffrey Ganzon emphasized the cranes’ potential to boost Iloilo’s economy by connecting local industries to national and international markets, enhancing operational efficiency and cargo handling capacity.
Manufactured by Konecranes, each of the two ESP.5 Gottwald MHCs reach 46 meters and a lifting capacity of 100 tons. They will streamline operations and improve turnaround times for vessels and trucks.
To ensure expert operation, ICTSI provided training for VCT personnel at its Manila International Container Terminal and South Pacific International Container Terminal in Lae, Papua New Guinea.
This training is part of ICTSI’s modernization plan for VCT, including new equipment and expanded bulk operations. VCT is dedicated to local hiring and partnerships with regional contractors to support community development.
Meanwhile, the ICTSI Foundation focuses on youth development and environmental protection in Iloilo City.
Gonzalez said, “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. 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.”
VCT, ICTSI’s first operation in Central Philippines, received a 25-year concession from the Philippine Ports Authority in January 2024 to develop Iloilo port into a modern trade gateway.
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