International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI) has invested more than $20m in information technology (IT) for its flagship Manila International Container Terminal (MICT) in the last 10 years.
“The investments in technology are meant to crisis-proof the terminal, safeguard shipments and system processes, maximise the efficiency of its operations and maintain ICTSI’s world-class brand of customer service,” commented Christian R. Gonzalez, ICTSI Executive Vice President.
Last year ICTSI partnered with PLDT last year for the roll out of 5G at the terminal. MICT is currently utilising the technology to automatically weigh containers using spreader load cells in rubber tire gantries (RTG) helping shorten truck drivers’ stay at the port as they no longer need to queue to use the terminal’s weigh bridges.
In 2015, ICTSI launched the Terminal Appointment Booking System (TABS) at MICT to facilitate the seamless flow of cargo in and out of the port. The MICT is currently working on the TABS Manifesting System, which automatically captures container data and truck plate numbers during the booking process.
A new MICT app is also currently under development. The new app is designed to give port users access to several services like Track & Trace across multiple ICTSI terminals, online payment and eventually TABS booking. It will also include features like GPS location and ETA, geofenced gate-in and yard locations for drivers.
An online payment system launched in 2017 suffered from poor traction prior to the pandemic had a mere 30% adoption rate. Covid lockdowns saw take up shoot up from 30% to 100%.
A similar payment system is also currently being developed for NorthPort, Subic Bay International Terminals and Mindanao Container Terminal. The system is scheduled for launch within the year.
“ICTSI will continue to take advantage of new technologies to push our efficiencies for the benefit of our customers,” concluded Gonzalez.
Source: Seatrade Maritime News
