International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI) has invested more than P900 million in information technology (IT) for its flagship Manila International Container Terminal (MICT) in the last 10 years.  
 
“The hefty investments in technology are meant to crisis-proof the terminal, safeguard shipments and system processes, maximize the efficiency of its operations and maintain ICTSI’s world-class brand of customer service,” Christian Gonzalez, company executive vice president, said in a statement on Wednesday.
 
Setting the stage for future technology and digital service deployments at MICT, ICTSI said it partnered with PLDT last year to roll 5G at the terminal. 
 
The MICT utilizes the technology to automatically weigh containers using spreader load cells in rubber-tired gantries (RTG). Having this feature helps shorten truck drivers’ stay at the port as they no longer need to queue to use the terminal’s weighbridges. 
 
5G technology is an important cornerstone of MICT’s journey to become the Philippines’ first smart port.
 
Other 5G-integrated projects in the pipeline include truck driver messaging, remote safety monitoring using intelligent surveillance systems and remote crane monitoring using Internet of Things devices and sensors – all of which are aimed at improving safety and efficiency of port operations while reducing foot traffic inside the terminal.
 
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. Once the system is deployed, drivers no longer have to input anything in the terminal kiosks upon their arrival. 
 
A new MICT app is also currently under development. The new app gives port users access to several services like Track & Trace across multiple ICTSI terminals, online payment, and TABS booking.