NorthPort cuts emissions in hybrid crane fleet drive

NorthPort, the Philippines’ main gateway for domestic cargo and operated by International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI), has converted its rubber-tyred gantry (RTG) cranes into hybrid models.

This shift reportedly enables more efficient port operations while significantly reducing the terminal’s carbon footprint.

Six RTGs have already been retrofitted, replacing conventional diesel generators with smaller, more efficient units paired with high-capacity, liquid-cooled battery systems.

The cranes now run primarily on battery power, with the generators stepping in only to recharge as needed.

This technological leap has driven a 49 per cent reduction in carbon emissions and diesel consumption, effectively halving NorthPort’s average annual carbon output from 2,186 tonnes to approximately 1,109 tonnes.

Building on this success, NorthPort is further expanding its hybrid fleet with the acquisition of four new Mitsui hybrid RTGs, scheduled for delivery in the fourth quarter of 2026.

This green transition is part of NorthPort’s wider sustainability roadmap as the terminal is committed to environmental stewardship, world-class operations, and improved customer service.

The hybrid initiative also aligns with evolving global standards for responsible port operations, helping NorthPort adapt to industry trends while supporting the Philippines’ national environmental and economic objectives.

This latest move follows a series of sustainability and innovation milestones for ICTSI across the Philippines. The terminal operator recently ranked as the country’s leading company for intangible asset intensity in the 2025 Global Innovation Index.