The Visayas Container Terminal (VCT), the International Container Terminal Services, Inc.’s (ICTSI) Iloilo operations, is acquiring new mobile harbor cranes to further expand its port activities.
The investment aligns with ICTSI’s commitment to modernize the VCT which was granted a 25-year concession by the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) in April.
ICTSI said it continues to pursue facility upgrades, IT system implementation, and deployment of other modern cargo handling equipment at the VCT.
“VCT is far from the terminal we took over six months ago. We’ve not only improved the facilities but also grown our team to over 240 organic personnel who undergo continuous training to ensure top-tier service,” Timothee Jeannin, VCT executive director, said.
“We also continue to expand our equipment fleet, which include the upcoming MHCs and the recently delivered reach stackers,chassis and forklifts – all part of our commitment to transform VCT into a world-class port,” he added.
Scheduled to arrive in the first week of September, the MHCs will enable VCT to handle new generation vessels and cater to the increased volume.
The MHCs represent the largest and the first such equipment in Panay and in all of Region 6. Dredging along the berths is set to begin later in the month to increase depth capacity and in preparation for the arrival of larger ships.
The VCT container yard is equipped with 33 reefer plugs and seen doubling in the next two weeks in anticipation of increased demand for perishable goods and potential exports from Panay.
The container freight station bustles with warehousing activities by freight forwarders.
VCT operates with five new reach stackers, two three-tonner forklifts, six prime movers, two sidelifters, a skid loader and a backhoe.
Two five-ton forklifts are scheduled to arrive also in September, followed by another 30-ton forklift in the fourth quarter this year.
Other projects in the pipeline include further rehabilitation of the container yard, improvement of engineering facilities and offices, and development of multipurpose and recreational spaces for employees.
VCT also launched initiatives like the greening of the terminal by planting 100,000 trees and plants within a year. In partnership with the ICTSI Foundation, VCT trains and develops potential manpower from local schools in Iloilo.
It is also working with the Philippine Ports Authority to remove derelict vessels and materials at the port to optimize space use.
