Mindanao Container Terminal increases renewable energy utilization

Mindanao Container Terminal (MCT), International Container Terminal Services Inc.’s (ICTSI) business unit at the Port of Cagayan de Oro in the Philippines, recently started operating exclusively on solar power during daylight hours.

MCT started sourcing solar power on 14 February under a retail supply contract with PrimeRES Energy Corporation within the Philippine energy department’s Retail Competition and Open Access (RCOA) framework. MCT will use solar power generated by PrimeRES’es solar power supply during daylight hours. At night, the terminal will draw power from PrimeRES’es supply portfolio including the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM), ensuring 24/7 energy supply. This hybrid solution maximizes the use of renewable energy while maintaining operational stability.

“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,” says Aurelio C. Garcia, MCT president and general manager. “This shift to solar power reflects our commitment to sustainability and demonstrates the steps we are taking to lower emissions.”

PrimeRES Energy Corporation is a retail electricity supplier, which focuses on transformative investments and partnerships with private distribution utilities and electric cooperatives. Licensed by the Philippine Energy Regulatory Commission, PrimeRES supplies power to contestable customers, with electricity sourced from Prime Infra’s renewable energy (RE) portfolio and third-party suppliers.

“This partnership with MCT exemplifies our commitment to delivering affordable and reliable power solutions tailored to meet diverse needs,” says Daniel O. Arago, PrimeRES Energy Corporation chief operating officer. “We appreciate MCT’s trust and shared vision of providing consumers with environmentally friendly energy solutions at competitive costs.”

Switching to PrimeRES is expected to provide MCT with competitive electricity rates and potential cost savings.

ICTSI, through its subsidiary Mindanao International Container Terminal Services Inc. (MICTSI), recently secured a 25-year extension to operate and manage MCT. As part of its long-term plan to enhance capacity and efficiency, MCT will invest more than $100 million in infrastructure upgrades. The investment includes a 300-meter berth extension and the acquisition of new equipment to support projected cargo volume growth. Once completed, these upgrades are expected to increase the terminal’s annual capacity beyond its current 350,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs). The berth extension will accommodate larger vessels and support new service routes, improving connectivity for Mindanao’s importers and exporters. The expansion aligns with government efforts to attract more investment and business activity to the region.