International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI) of ultra bilyonaryo (ICTSI) Enrique K. Razon Jr. is reaping the benefits of its hefty investments in technology at its flagship Manila International Container Terminal (MICT).
ICTSI has invested more than P900 million to upgrade MICT’s IT 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,” said Christian Gonzalez, ICTSI executive vice president.
“These technologies have been in place at the MICT for quite some time now and have proven to be game-changing, especially during the pandemic,” he said.
Gonzalez said the billing process at MICT was not affected by the lockdowns as customers started using the online payment system which it launched in 2017.
From 30 percent, he said the system’s adoption rate grew to 100 percent as clients realized they can conveniently and safely transact with the company without going to the port.
ICTSI said a similar payment system is also currently being developed for NorthPort, Subic Bay International Terminals and Mindanao Container Terminal and is scheduled for launch within the year.
The MICT is also looking to launch its online examination viewing portal which will enable brokers to observe the Bureau of Customs’ examination of containers without being physically present at the terminal, pending approval from the Department of Agriculture.
Also under development is a new MICT app which is designed to give port users access to several services like Track & Trace across multiple ICTSI terminals, online payment, and eventually the Terminal Appointment Booking System (TABS).
It will also include features like GPS location and ETA, geofenced gate-in and yard locations for drivers.
ICTSI said 5G technology is also an important cornerstone of MICT’s journey towards becoming the first smart port in the Philippines.
The company partnered with PLDT last year for the rollout of 5G at the terminal.
5G integrated projects in the pipeline for MICT include truck driver messaging, remote safety monitoring using intelligent surveillance systems and remote crane monitoring using Internet of Things devices and sensors.
These projects are aimed at improving safety and efficiency of port operations while reducing foot traffic inside the terminal.
“ICTSI will continue to take advantage of new technologies to push our efficiencies for the benefit of our customers,” Gonzalez said.

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