ICTSI Flagship Receives Philippines’ First Near-Zero Emission RTGs

The Manila International Container Terminal (MICT), the flagship operation of International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI) and the Philippines' leading international trading gateway, has taken a significant step toward meeting customer demands while maintaining environmentally friendly operations with the arrival of eight hybrid rubber-tired gantries (RTGs) equipped with near-zero emission (NZE) technology.

Manufactured by Japan's Mitsui Engineering & Shipbuilding Co. Ltd. (MES), these advanced RTGs reflect MICT’s commitment to continually invest in equipment and technology not only to deliver the highest levels of productivity but also to be environmentally responsible.

The new RTGs, which use a 100-kilovolt-ampere (kVA) lithium-ion battery and a smaller diesel engine, reduce emissions by 60 to 70 percent compared to traditional RTGs.

Unlike traditional RTGs, NZE RTGs primarily use the smaller diesel engine to charge the lithium-ion batteries that power the crane's electric motors. This decreases dependency on fossil fuels while dramatically lowering emissions. Furthermore, the NZE hybrid RTGs include regenerative braking systems that use energy generated while braking to replenish the batteries, enhancing overall efficiency.

Furthermore, hybrid technology saves a significant amount of gasoline. MICT anticipates an annual fuel savings of more than 761,800 liters, a significant improvement above the 644,600 liters utilized by the terminal's current hybrid RTGs. This amounts to a 1.97-kiloton decrease in yearly carbon dioxide emissions, which contributes to MICT's decarbonization plan and environmental sustainability goals.

Christian R. Gonzalez, ICTSI executive vice president, described the importance of the equipment: “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 acquisition of the new RTGs, MICT now has the Philippines' largest container-handling fleet, which includes 18 quay cranes and 52 RTGs.

Aside from fleet improvements, MICT is expanding significantly, with the second phase of Berth 8 construction underway, as well as preparations for Berths 9 and 10. Berth 8, when completed in 2027, would increase yard capacity by 200,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) and handle bigger boats of up to 18,000 TEUs. This achievement improves MICT's position as the country's major international trading gateway, allowing it to satisfy the expanding demands of the global shipping sector.

These efforts demonstrate MICT's dedication to the country's sustainability goals, operational excellence, and strengthening the Philippines' place in the global trading network.