Cranes imported by Manila North Harbor Port, Inc (MNHPI) for North Port are incompatible with rails at the facility, resulting in the need for a “massive retrofitting”, according to MNHPI officials.
In its latest presentation to stakeholders, MNHPI admitted the problem has delayed improvements in cargo handling, a key issue against the port operator since it took over management of North Harbor in 2010.
“We have encountered a delay in the installation of the three new cranes at North Port,” MNHPI said. The equipment should have been put in place as early as 2010.
“It will take some time (to fix) but we expect no more major problems in operations and efficiency once the cranes are put into place.”
MNHPI said more cargo-handling equipment are expected to arrive in the next few months. The acquisition is part of the modernization program for North Port, the country’s top domestic port.
Despite efforts to modernize, shipping lines operating at the port prefer the previous setup where they maintain their own cargo-handling equipment. They said the setup minimizes delays as equipment are made available as needed.
Photo from www.mnhport.com.ph
