Philippines’ Manila South Harbour Gets 6 New Hybrid RTG-Cranes, One Of The Largest In The Country

Strategic partners DP World and Asian Terminals Inc. (ATI) have commissioned six state-of-the-art hybrid Rubber-Tyred Gantry (RTG) cranes at Manila South Harbour (MSH), strengthening the terminal’s capacity and supporting safer, more efficient, and lower-emission operations.

Manufactured by Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries Co. (ZPMC), the new-generation RTGs use hybrid technology to reduce fuel consumption and emissions. They are equipped with advanced safety and operating features, including automatic gantry steering, emergency stop systems, anti-sway technology, truck detection, and chassis positioning. The cranes are also designed for future conversion to fully electric operations.

Capable of stacking six containers high, the new hybrid equipment brings MSH’s RTG fleet to 29 units, further enhancing the terminal’s ability to handle more cargo and supporting faster, safer truck turnaround.

ATI and DP World’s latest investment builds on the continued modernisation of MSH through major seaside and landside infrastructure projects, new-generation cargo-handling equipment, digital technologies and systems upgrades. In early 2025, the partners inaugurated an extended Pier 3, equipped with two new quay cranes, among the largest in the Philippines. Together, these investments increased MSH’s annual container-handling capacity by nearly 40% from 1.45 million TEUs in 2021 to 2.0 million TEUs in 2025, reinforcing its role as one of the country’s major international trade gateways.

The hybrid RTGs also support the partners’ broader drive towards more efficient, lower-emission port operations. In 2025, they introduced 15 fully electric Internal Transfer Vehicles (eITVs) at MSH, supported by quick-charging stations – a first for the Philippines. By the end of 2026, MSH is expected to deploy three electric empty container handlers, two electric reach stackers and an additional 15 eITVs.

William Khoury, DP World APAC Vice President for Ports & Terminals Southeast Asia and ATI Director, commented:

“For 40 years, ATI has continuously invested in the infrastructure, technology and people that keep Philippine trade moving. Together with DP World, we are building on this strong foundation by investing in cleaner equipment, smarter technologies and more resilient infrastructure that will make our gateways safer, more efficient and sustainable into the future.”

“Our goal is to help shape the next generation of Philippine trade infrastructure. By working closely with government and industry partners and investing across our ports and logistics network, we can strengthen the connections that Philippine businesses rely on to reach domestic and international markets.”

The transformation of MSH is part of ATI and DP World’s wider investment programme across Manila, Batangas, Cavite and Laguna, focused on developing more competitive, resilient and future-ready trade infrastructure to support the long-term growth of the Philippine economy.

Press Release