An aerial view of containers lined up at the Mindanao Container Terminal in Cagayan De Oro.  Photo courtesy of International Container Terminal Services Inc.
BUSINESS

ICTSI’s Mindanao terminal shift to solar

Maria Bernadette Romero

Mindanao Container Terminal (MCT), International Container Terminal Services Inc.’s hub in Cagayan de Oro, is now running on sunshine — at least during the day. 

MCT said on Tuesday that it has started sourcing solar energy through a retail supply contract with PrimeRES Energy Corp. under the Department of Energy’s Retail Competition and Open Access (RCOA) program since 14 February. 

RCOA allows qualified electricity customers with a monthly peak demand of at least 500 kW to choose their power suppliers.  

At night, it taps into PrimeRES’ broader energy portfolio. PrimeRES Energy delivers power from Prime Infra’s renewable energy portfolio and third-party sources.

“The Mindanao Container Terminal is a key gateway for the region, and reducing carbon emissions from our operations aligns with ICTSI’s broader environmental objectives,” said MCT president and general manager Aurelio Garcia. 

“This shift to solar power reflects our commitment to sustainability and demonstrates the steps we are taking to lower emissions.”

Beyond its green shift, MCT is gearing up for a major expansion following ICTSI’s recent 25-year extension to operate and manage the terminal.

More than $100 million will be invested in infrastructure upgrades, including a 300-meter berth extension and new equipment acquisitions.