Five rubber-tired gantry cranes (RTGs) are now being assembled at the Manila South Harbor by listed port operator Asian Terminals Inc. (ATI) for full operation by August.
The RTGs’ prefabricated components were recently delivered to ATI by manufacturer Liebherr of Ireland. These are the latest in a series of deliveries since 2012, raising ATI’s total RTG fleet at South Harbor to 50% more than the 2012 level, ATI said in a statement.
The company plans to increase the number of RTG units at the terminal to 23.
The new RTGs are powered by fuel-efficient, low-emission engines and capable of stacking up to six containers high with a safe working load of 40 tons each under the spreader, said ATI.
The additional cranes will further boost efficiency and handling capacity at the terminal, while supporting ATI’s growing yard footprint within Manila South Harbor’s expanded port zone, the company said.
ATI’s recent equipment acquisition forms part of its most aggressive capital investment in over three decades and supports its commitment to state-owned Philippine Ports Authority to help develop the maritime industry.
This year alone, ATI is investing a minimum of P2.8 billion, to be followed by a further P3.1 billion and P2.1 billion in 2016 and 2017, respectively.
In February, ATI deployed six side loaders which have sped up empty box evacuations and spurred a quicker turnaround trip for truckers.
