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Manila International Container Terminal recently received eight hybrid rubber-tired gantries featuring near-zero emission technology
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Manufactured by Japan’s Mitsui Engineering & Shipbuilding Co. Ltd., the new RTGs, powered by a combination of a 100-kilovolt-ampere lithium-ion battery and a smaller diesel engine, cut emissions by 60% to 70% compared to traditional RTGs
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MICT estimates an annual fuel reduction of more than 761,800 liters over the 644,600 liters consumed by the terminal’s existing hybrid RTGs, translating to an annual carbon dioxide emissions reduction of 1.97 kilotons
Manila International Container Terminal (MICT) recently received eight hybrid rubber-tired gantries (RTGs) featuring near-zero emission (NZE) technology.
Manufactured by Japan’s Mitsui Engineering & Shipbuilding Co. Ltd., the NZE 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”, parent firm International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI) said in a statement.
The new RTGs, powered by a combination of a 100-kilovolt-ampere (kVA) lithium-ion battery and a smaller diesel engine, cut emissions by 60% to 70% compared to traditional RTGs.
Unlike conventional RTGs, ICTSI said the NZE RTGs use the smaller diesel engine primarily to charge the lithium-ion batteries, which power the crane’s electric motors. This reduces reliance on fossil fuels and significantly lowers emissions. Additionally, the NZE hybrid RTGs feature regenerative braking systems that capture energy during braking to recharge the batteries, improving overall efficiency.
ICTSI noted that the hybrid technology also delivers substantial fuel savings. MICT estimates an annual fuel reduction of more than 761,800 liters, a marked improvement over the 644,600 liters consumed by the terminal’s existing hybrid RTGs. This translates to an annual carbon dioxide emissions reduction of 1.97 kilotons, supporting MICT’s decarbonization strategy and environmental sustainability goals.
“The arrival of these near-zero emission RTGs further underpins our commitment to reducing our environmental footprint while enhancing operational capabilities,” ICTSI executive vice president Christian R. Gonzalez said.
“These new RTGs will improve our productivity, lower carbon emissions, and provide better service to our customers,” Gonzalez added.
With the addition of the new RTGs, ICTSI said MICT now operates the Philippines’ largest container-handling fleet, consisting of 18 quay cranes and 52 RTGs.
Beyond fleet upgrades, MICT is undergoing a major expansion, including the second phase construction of Berth 8 and preparations for Berths 9 and 10.
READ: ICTSI breaks ground for Berth 8 at MICT
Once completed in 2027, Berth 8 will add 200,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in yard capacity and allow the terminal to accommodate larger vessels of up to 18,000-TEU capacity.
This development strengthens MICT’s role as the country’s premier international trading gateway and positions it to meet the growing demands of the global shipping industry, ICTSI noted.
ICTSI earlier said it commits to net zero emissions for Scopes 1 (direct emissions) and 2 (indirect emissions) by 2050 as part of its decarbonization strategy.
Further, ICTSI is working towards accounting for the full greenhouse gas emissions footprint of the entire value chain, including Scope 3 emissions. An inventory is expected to be established by 2025, followed by a review of relevant targets.
The targets are part of ICTSI’s Climate Change Action Initiative launched in July 2023. The initiative will develop a comprehensive roadmap for ICTSI to align its business strategy with the goals of the United Nations (UN) Paris Agreement, a legally binding international treaty on climate change adopted by 196 parties at the UN Climate Change Conference on December 12, 2015 and entered into force on November 4, 2016.
