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Tag: ICTSI

Hybrid Automatic Container Carriers of Oz

Posted on by David Priestman

Victoria International Container Terminal (VICT), International Container Terminal Services, Inc.’s (ICTSI) operation at the Port of Melbourne, has purchased four new hybrid automatic container carriers (ACCs) from Kalmar to expand capacity and reduce emissions.

The new carriers, scheduled for delivery in 2025, will each feature a twin-box lifting capacity of up to 60 tons and Kalmar’s latest hybrid technology with lithium-ion batteries for energy recovery. This technology contributes to a 40 percent increase in energy efficiency and a 50-ton CO2 emission reduction per carrier annually.

“We value our partnership with Kalmar and their technical support,” said Bruno Porchietto, VICT chief executive officer. “These new hybrid carriers are part of our expansion plan, which will increase our capacity to 1.5 million TEUs annually. This investment demonstrates our commitment to customer focus, innovation, and sustainability, ensuring we can meet the growing demand for our services while minimizing our environmental impact.”

VICT is the only fully automated container terminal in the Southern Hemisphere. It operates seven remotely controlled ship-to-shore cranes (five super post-Panamax and two ultra post-Panamax – the largest in Australia), 17 ACCs, and 26 automated stacking cranes (ASCs). All cranes are equipped with energy recovery systems, contributing to the terminal’s energy efficiency and CO2 emission reduction goals.

This investment follows a record year for VICT in 2024, during which it handled its five millionth TEU since opening in 2017. The terminal continues its technological expansion to support its growing customer base.

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Basra Gateway Terminal – Container Line Service to Iraq

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Basra Gateway Terminal (BGT), Iraq’s premier multi-purpose cargo handling facility located at the Port of Umm Qasr, received the inaugural call of the RCL West India-Gulf (RWG) service last October.

Operated jointly by Regional Container Line (RCL) and Bengal Tiger Line (BTL), the RWG service strengthens the country’s trade connectivity by introducing faster, more efficient shipping connections to India and the Middle East. With a 21-day turnaround time, the service strategically rotates through key ports: Mundra, Nhava Sheva, Jebel Ali, and Umm Qasr, before returning to Mundra.

“We are excited to welcome RCL and BTL as partners in advancing trade and connectivity in the region. The RWG service reinforces our commitment to providing world-class service and supporting Iraq’s role in the global trade network,” said Romeo Salvador, BGT chief executive officer.

The maiden call highlights BGT’s importance as Iraq’s most advanced terminal. With modern infrastructure, streamlined operations, and proximity to major regional markets, BGT serves as a vital gateway for businesses looking to tap into Iraq’s emerging economy.

RCL and BTL have each deployed a vessel to the service – the Vira Bhum and the Intersea Traveler. A total of three vessels with capacities ranging from 2,500 to 2,700 TEUs will be deployed to the service to ensure reliability.

A subsidiary of International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI), BGT is the gateway of choice in Iraq, offering shipping lines and cargo owners unparalleled access to efficient, scalable and future-ready port solutions to meet the demands of modern global trade.

Basra Gateway Terminal (BGT) is a subsidiary of International Container Terminal Services (ICTSI) headquartered in the Philippines. In 2014, ICTSI signed a contract with the General Company for Ports in Iraq to manage, operate and rehabilitate terminal facilities in North Port Umm Qasr, Iraq and to develop and expand container handling capacity via new infrastructure development. ICTSI has progressively built on this initial commitment.

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New Cranes at Manila Container Terminal Fully Operational

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Manila International Container Terminal (MICT), the Philippines’ premiere gateway for foreign trade, has completed the commissioning of its three new quay cranes. This latest development underscores MICT’s commitment to providing the highest levels of port services and boosts the terminal’s capacity to handle the increasing demands of modern container shipping.

“The acquisition of these new quay cranes represents a significant step forward to MICT’s expansion and modernization. Their addition enables us to handle cargo loads more efficiently, leading to faster vessel turnaround times and better operations overall,” said Christian Lozano, MICT chief operating officer.

MICT (part of ICTSI)has the largest quay crane fleet in the Philippines with 18 units. The operational efficiencies contributed by the new cranes enables the terminal to better manage peak periods and high cargo volumes, ensuring smoother and more predictable operations for all stakeholders. These improvements enhance the overall customer experience, providing shippers and consignees with more reliable and timely services.

Aside from acquiring new equipment, MICT has commenced Phase 2 of its Berth 8 expansion. The project includes the construction of a 300-meter wharf and a 10-hectare container yard (full build). Upon completion, the expansion will increase MICT’s capacity by 200,000 TEUs to 3.5 million TEUs. Berth 8 will be equipped with three quay cranes for the efficient handling of foreign ultra-large container vessels with capacities of up to 18,000 TEUs. The new cranes are scheduled to arrive in 2027.

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Multipurpose Terminal welcomes its Largest Boxship

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Onne Multipurpose Terminal (OMT), International Container Terminal Services, Inc.’s (ICTSI) operation in Nigeria, handled KOTA CEMPAKA – the largest container vessel to conduct full operations in Eastern Nigeria.

Operated by Pacific International Lines (PIL), the 300-meter, 6,660-TEU capacity ship loaded and discharged a total of 2,000 TEUs during its call at OMT. PIL plans to deploy vessels of similar size in the region on a regular basis – a development that is welcomed by both OMT and the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA).

In a ceremony commemorating the vessel’s arrival, Jacob Gulmann, OMT managing director, highlighted the terminal’s state-of-the-art facilities and equipment, along with the 750-meter deep-water berths. The terminal has two mobile harbour cranes with Navis and SAP powering its operations.

“We are proud of this latest achievement, which is a testament to the company’s rapid growth as a major container terminal operator in Nigeria. Commencing operations in 2021, OMT has contributed to reducing vessel waiting times in Onne Port while doubling container capacity and enhancing competition for the benefit of all customers,” explained Gulmann.

Largest Boxship

James Stewart, OMT chief operations officer, commended PIL for its decision to utilize large vessels in Eastern Nigeria: “We are proud that PIL trusts OMT with handling its large vessels in Onne. The arrival of such large vessels is part of a global trend where shipping lines are upscaling vessels sizes to achieve economies of scale. OMT is working closely with the NPA to ensure we are ready for this trend. We appreciate the NPA’s effort to ensure the depth is 12 meters at the port, which is crucial to allowing large vessels to call the Onne Port,” said Stewart.

Onne Multipurpose Terminal (OMT) is the first terminal of call at the Onne Port Complex in Onne’s oil and gas free zone. Handling containerized, oil and gas, and other cargo types, OMT serves as an efficient gateway to Africa’s largest oil production region and Nigeria’s major hinterland markets.

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East Java Port Project Breaks Ground

Posted on by Keith McKinley

East Java Multipurpose Terminal (EJMT), International Container Terminal Services, Inc.’s (ICTSI) business unit in East Java, Indonesia, hosted a ground-breaking ceremony last October 12th to showcase the development of a new state-of-the-art gateway for the Lamongan, Tuban and central Java hinterlands.

The development consists of a 300-meter quay line, breakwater, super heavy lift breakbulk deck, and dredging of the navigational channel to -13.5 meters. It will be supported by two post-Panamax mobile harbour cranes and other cargo handling equipment.

“We are very excited with this new terminal development as it will provide a new and more accessible gateway for our hinterland customers in Lamongan, Tuban and up to central Java. Catering to an already thriving industry with this new investment, EJMT is well-positioned to support the growing economy of East Java and Indonesia,” said Patrick Chan, EJMT chief executive officer.

“Lamongan Shorebase has been operating and supporting oil and gas customers since 2006. The development of EJMT will provide domestic and international access to our existing and new customers, who will also benefit from the reduced overall supply chain costs. The heavy lift deck will allow us to support the upcoming project developments in Eastern Indonesia, as well as receive decommissioned platforms,” explained David Lim, PT Eastern Logistics chief executive officer. PT Eastern Logistics is the operator of Lamongan Shorebase.

Gerard Langes, ICTSI head of Business Development – APAC region and the Philippines, said: “ICTSI, as the world’s largest independent terminal operator, is pleased to continue its growth by adding EJMT to its global portfolio. By building positive relationships with stakeholders, ICTSI is contributing to the sustainable economic and social well-being of the local community.”

Construction of the new terminal is being carried out by EJMT’s local partners PT. PP (Persero). With the current works, EJMT will be ready to receive its first vessel by September 2024.

New Freight Train from Rijeka Port

Posted on by David Priestman

A new regular common user freight train service was recently launched by Metrans that links the Croatian port of Rijeka, via the Adriatic Gate Container Terminal (AGCT), to Budapest in Hungary.

Launched in June, the new rail cargo service connects AGCT with Metrans’ Csepel Terminal in Budapest.

“We commend Metrans for launching this new service that connects Rijeka to Csepel Terminal and Metrans’ entire intermodal network in Europe. Unlike the multiple regular weekly block trains between Rijeka and different rail hubs in Budapest that are dedicated to individual clients, this common user service enables freight forwarders and shippers to book landside services directly with Metrans. It is very encouraging to see the second common rail service launched within two months,” said Emmanuel Papagiannakis, AGCT chief executive officer.

He added: “The Hungarian market is the second largest for AGCT and one of the most important in Europe. Already a significant manufacturing and consumer market, Hungary sees potential for further growth as the economy continues its strong development. Metrans’ new service also creates potential for Slovakia, Austria, Czechia and Romania, and confirms the growing significance of AGCT as a gateway for Southern, Central and Southeastern Europe.”

The common rail service runs twice per week at a fixed timetable, offering a direct connection between Rijeka and Budapest without stopovers, as well as attractive transit times.

A subsidiary of International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI), AGCT looks to further increase its rail throughput, which represents 47 percent of its total volume. An increase in rail traffic would contribute to a more sustainable supply chain, as moving freight by rail instead of truck reduces carbon emissions by up to 24 kilograms per freight ton.

In March 2011, ICTSI forged a 30-year strategic partnership with Luka Rijeka D.D. for the operation, management, and development of Adriatic Gate Container Terminal (AGCT) at the Port of Rijeka, Croatia’s main seaport.

TecPlata Welcomes ZIM’s Patagonia Express

Posted on by Keith McKinley

TecPlata, International Container Terminal Services, Inc.’s (ICTSI) cargo handling operations at the La Plata Port adjacent to Buenos Aires in Argentina, received the inaugural call of Zim Integrated Shipping Services’ (ZIM) Patagonia Express Service (PES) that connects Argentinian trade to the United States and the Caribbean Gulf, among other destinations.

ZIM’s newly launched service links Argentina to the Caribbean and the US Gulf Coast through the ports of Kingston, a major Caribbean hub, and Houston in the Gulf of Mexico. The service marked its inaugural call at TecPlata with the arrival of the 1,000-TEU boxship Contship Key, and with its present network set up, is expected to call TecPlata every 45 days. The maritime service from La Plata to Kingston and Houston provides a reliable and efficient connection for Argentinian foreign trade, offering commercial opportunities that promote economic growth in the region.

“We are pleased to receive the Contship Key at TecPlata and start this new connection with the North American gulf coast. This strategic alliance with ZIM enables us to offer new services and logistics distribution to our clients. We are confident that this service will strengthen TecPlata’s position as a strategic trade port on the East Coast of South America,” said Juan Pablo Trujillo, TecPlata chief executive officer.

TecPlata takes great pride in delivering new opportunities to clients through this service, which takes advantage of the terminal’s modern port infrastructure and world-class standard of operation. ZIM’s arrival in TecPlata further expands the connectivity of La Plata beyond the Latin America region.

In October 2008, TecPlata S.A. was granted a 30-year concession to build and operate an all-purpose port terminal in the greater Buenos Aires area in Argentina by the Consorcio de Gestion del Puerto La Plata. Built with an investment of US$450 million, TecPlata is Argentina’s most modern container terminal with an initial capacity of 450,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU) capacity, and capable of being extended of up to 1 million TEUs in the second phase.

First Rijeka-Budapest Open Rail Service

Posted on by David Priestman

A new regular common user open rail train service has been launched by Rail Cargo Group (RCG) linking the Croatian port of Rijeka, via the Adriatic Gate Container Terminal (AGCT), to Budapest in Hungary.

Whilst many rail services operate between Rijeka and Budapest, these are generally dedicated to individual clients. The new rail service is a common user service which enables freight forwarders and individual clients to book the landside service directly with RCG.

“The Hungarian market is one of the most important markets in Europe and the second largest market for AGCT. Already a significant manufacturing hub and consumer market, we see further growth potential as the Hungarian economy continues its strong development,” said Emmanuel Papagiannakis, AGCT chief executive officer.

He added: “Currently, there are multiple regular weekly block trains between Rijeka and different rail hubs in Budapest, Hungary, but all are dedicated rail services. We appreciate that the Rail Cargo Group has launched this initiative that adds a common rail service not just directly to BILK terminal in Budapest, but from Budapest connecting to the entire TransFER intermodal network all over Europe. There is immediate potential for Austria, Czechia, Romania and Slovakia. This initiative confirms the growing significance of AGCT as a gateway for Southern, Central and Southeastern Europe.”

“Comparing rail and road emissions, it is also important to note that 24 kilos of CO2 emissions are saved per ton freight, which is transported by rail instead of by truck. Our current rail-road split is 47 percent, and we aim to grow it further,” Papagiannakis further explained.

The common rail service runs two times per week at a fixed timetable. It offers a direct connection without stopovers from Budapest and Rijeka and vice versa at attractive transit times. The rail service is operated by RCG and its subsidiaries in Hungary and Croatia.

In March 2011, ICTSI forged a 30-year strategic partnership with Luka Rijeka D.D. for the operation, management, and development of Adriatic Gate Container Terminal (AGCT) at the Port of Rijeka, Croatia’s main seaport.

Pakistan-Australia Direct Shipping Service

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Pakistan International Container Terminal Limited (PICT), International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI) subsidiary operating at the Port of Karachi, has partnered with Singaporean shipping line SeaLead to establish a direct service between Pakistan and Australia.

Calling regional ports across Malaysia, Australia and Pakistan, the newly launched ASI service enables easy and efficient connection between markets in South Asia and Australia. With the arrival of the service at the Port of Karachi, PICT looks to strengthen trade patronage with global customers and cater to growing trade demands. The ASI service will substantially benefit importers and exporters through the faster and more cost-efficient route that provides direct access to Asian and Australian ports, and eventually allow new businesses and growth areas to emerge within the associated economies.

“We look to provide unmatched supply chain solutions to local and global trade stakeholders. Through our partnership with SeaLead, customers in both Pakistani and Australian markets will benefit through direct port linkages that enable economies to grow,” explains Khurram Aziz Khan, PICT chief executive officer. PICT will remain resilient in its efforts to make this collaboration a successful venture for all stakeholders.”

The ASI service, which handles both shipper-owned and carrier-owned containers, is also expected to provide PICT’s trade allies with a competitive edge within the industry. With Pakistan as a commercial hub connecting several geographical regions, the PICT-SeaLead partnership will boost the country’s foreign trade through the enhanced and efficient access to and from Australian markets.

Operating Berths 6 to 9 at the East Wharf of the Karachi Port, Pakistan International Container Terminal is the preferred terminal for the Indian subcontinent trade routes. The common-use terminal offers excellent connections to Central Asia, Afghanistan, and the Western China hinterlands.

Headquartered and established in 1988 in Manila, Philippines, International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI) is in the business of port development, management and operations. ICTSI’s portfolio of terminals and projects are located in developed and emerging market economies in the Asia Pacific, the Americas, and Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Independent with no shipping or consignee-related interests, ICTSI works and transacts transparently with all stakeholders of the supply chain. ICTSI continues to receive global acclaim for its public-private partnerships, which are focused on sustainable development, and supported by corporate social responsibility initiatives.

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