MITSUBISHI Heavy Industries Machinery Technology Corporation (MHIMT) has been awarded a contract to equip Hongkong International Terminals (HIT) Container Terminal 9 with technology to operate its 29 rubber-tyre gantry cranes (RTGC) by remote control.

The project in Hong Kong will mark the first time that the innovative technology is used for RTGs outside Japan.

Speaking at the contract signing ceremony, president and CEO of MHIMT, Kazuo Lida, said: "HIT and Mitsubishi have maintained a long business relationship dating back 24 years ago when Mitsubishi first provided HIT with bridge cranes and subsequently rail mounted gantry cranes.

"We are proud to be working with HIT again on this project, signifying an extension of our successful partnership and contributing to HIT's future growth and development," Mr Lida said.

Said HIT managing director Gerry Yim: "At HIT, we will continue to deploy the latest technology to assist our day-to-day operations. This remote control project will not only increase operational efficiency, but it will also enhance industrial safety and improve the working environment for our staff."

HIT expects the first batch of remote control RTGs to be in operation by the end of 2014 and to complete the project in the first quarter of 2015.