Visayas Container Terminal ushers in new era of efficiency

Visayas Container Terminal (VCT), International Container Terminal Services, Inc.’s (ICTSI) business unit in Iloilo, recently put into operation two new mobile harbor cranes (MHC), the first of their kind in Panay Island. These are expected to enhance Iloilo port’s role as a competitive and efficient trade gateway for Western Visayas.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the cranes’ start of operation. This was led by Governor Arthur R. Defensor Jr., Iloilo provincial governor; Jeffrey P. Ganzon, Iloilo City vice mayor; Raisa Treñas-Chu, delegate of Iloilo City mayor Jerry Treñas; Atty. Jay Daniel R. Santiago, Philippine Ports Authority general manager; and Christian R. Gonzalez, ICTSI executive vice president. Joining them were Timothee Jeannin, outgoing VCT executive director, and John Alexander Rhoss Largo, incoming VCT chief executive officer.

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.”

Vice mayor Ganzon said the new cranes will significantly boost Iloilo’s economy by opening local industries to national and international markets: “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.”

Manufactured by Konecranes, each of the two new ESP.5 Gottwald MHCs has a reach of 46 meters and a lifting capacity of 100 tons. They will boost VCT's ability to handle the increasing volume of containerized, bulk, general, and project cargo in the region. The new technology is expected to streamline operations, leading to faster turnaround times for vessels and trucks, improved safety, and greater port efficiency.

To expertly utilize the new cranes, ICTSI provided training for VCT personnel on crane operation and maintenance at its flagship Manila International Container Terminal (MICT) and at South Pacific International Container Terminal (SPICT) in Lae, Papua New Guinea.

The new MHCs are part of ICTSI's ongoing modernization plan f or VCT. Alongside the cranes, VCT has acquired new reach stackers, trailers, prime movers, and empty container handlers. The terminal is also expanding its bulk operations with additional bagging machines, clamshells, and mobile equipment. Additionally, VCT is building reefer stacks to meet the growing demand for refrigerated cargo.

VCT's commitment to Iloilo includes local hiring and partnerships with local contractors, contributing to community development and regional economic growth.

Meanwhile, the ICTSI Foundation, the company’s social responsibility arm, continues to strengthen community ties, supporting youth development, environmental protection, and social assistance in Iloilo City. These highlight VCT's focus on not only upgrading Iloilo's port infrastructure but also fostering sustainable economic growth and community development.

Gonzalez adds: “ICTSI has always been committed to investing in the Philippines, and we were particularly drawn to Iloilo because of its advantageous location, dynamic leadership, business-centricity and growth potential . . . It goes without saying that we hope to pay back your trust and hospitality by becoming an engaged and responsible member of the Iloilo community.”

VCT is ICTSI’s first operation in Central Philippines. In January 2024, the Philippine Ports Authority granted ICTSI a 25-year concession to operate and develop the Iloilo port into a modern and efficient trade gateway.