They intend to improve VCT’s capacity to manage the growing volume of containerised, bulk, general, and project cargo in the region. The new cranes are designed to expedite operations, resulting in shorter turnaround times for vessels and trucks, increased safety, and enhanced port efficiency.

The new MHCs were inaugurated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by Governor Arthur R Defensor Jr., Iloilo Provincial Governor Jeffrey P Ganzon, Iloilo City Vice-Mayor Raisa Treñas-Chu, Iloilo Mayor Jerry Treñas’ delegate Jay Daniel R. Santiago, Philippine Ports Authority General Manager and Christian R Gonzalez, ICTSI Executive Vice President. They were joined by Timothee Jeannin, the departing VCT Executive Director, and John Alexander Rhoss Largo, the new VCT CEO.

“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,” said Gonzalez. “By providing these state-of-the-art MHCs, 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 added “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.”

To ensure that the new cranes are used effectively, ICTSI trained VCT workers on crane operation and maintenance at its flagship Manila International Container Terminal (MICT) and the South Pacific International Container Terminal (SPICT) in Lae, Papua New Guinea.

The terminal is also growing its bulk operations by adding new bagging machines, clamshells, and mobile equipment. Furthermore, VCT is constructing reefer stacks to accommodate the increased demand for chilled freight.

“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,” said Gonzalez.