Manila International Container Terminal (MICT), the flagship of International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI) at the Port of Manila, recently received the inaugural call of CMA CGM Passion — the first liquefied natural gas (LNG)-powered container vessel to dock at the terminal.

ICTSI noted that the 7,327-TEU CMA CGM Passion — which operates under CNC's KCS service and offers direct sailings between South China and the Philippines — arrived in Manila on September 26.

This weekly service connects key ports in China, Indonesia, and the Philippines, including Xingang, Dalian, Lianyungang, Qingdao, Singapore, Jakarta, Surabaya, and Manila.

It also provides one of the fastest transit times from Qingdao to Singapore and Indonesia.

"This landmark call reinforces our efforts to reduce the environmental impact of MICT's operations, which include investing in hybrid rubber-tired gantries that require less fuel and generate cleaner emissions. We hope to handle more green ships as the industry moves towards decarbonization," said Christian Lozano, MICT chief operating officer.

The CMA CGM Passion is the largest capacity boxship handled by MICT to date.

With the capability to accommodate the largest vessels being cascaded to the Philippines, MICT noted that it is well-positioned to enhance the country's foreign trade by promoting stronger trade connectivity and making the Port of Manila more globally competitive.

Meanwhile, MICT noted that its efforts to minimize its environmental footprint include improved wastewater management, circular economy practices, and biodiversity protection.