Razon's Manila port goes green: Hybrid cranes slash emissions, boost efficiency

February 3, 2025
4:20PM PHT
Christian R. Gonzalez
ICTSI executive vice president 

Manila International Container Terminal (MICT), the country’s top trading hub under International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI), is ramping up efficiency and sustainability with the arrival of eight hybrid rubber-tired gantries (RTGs) featuring near-zero emission (NZE) technology.

Built by Japan’s Mitsui Engineering & Shipbuilding Co. Ltd., these RTGs cut emissions by 60 to 70 percent compared to those of traditional cranes.

They run on a lithium-ion battery and a smaller diesel engine, significantly reducing fossil fuel dependence. A regenerative braking system further boosts efficiency by capturing and reusing energy.

“The arrival of these near-zero emission RTGs further underpins our commitment to reducing our environmental footprint while enhancing operational capabilities,” said Christian R. Gonzalez, ICTSI executive vice president.

“These new RTGs will improve our productivity, lower carbon emissions, and provide better service to our customers,” he added.

The new near-zero emission (NZE) rubber-tired gantries at the Manila International Container Terminal (MICT), the first of their kind in the Philippines./Photo from ICTSI 

MICT estimates that these hybrid RTGs will cut fuel consumption by over 761,800 liters annually, compared to 644,600 liters used by older hybrids, resulting in a reduction in carbon dioxide emissions of 1.97 kilotons per year.

With these additions, MICT now operates the country’s largest container-handling fleet, comprising 18 quay cranes and 52 RTGs. The move aligns with ICTSI’s commitment to sustainability and lower-carbon operations.

Beyond fleet upgrades, MICT is undergoing a major expansion, with work progressing on Berth 8 and preparations for Berths 9 and 10. Once completed in 2027, Berth 8 will add 200,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in yard capacity and accommodate larger vessels of up to 18,000 TEUs.

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