In a landmark agreement, APTSC was tasked to undertake the lifting of the locomotive and flatcars from the rail line in Manila International Container Terminal (MICT), perform cleaning, packing, preservation works, and supervise loading unto a chartered vessel bound to Fremantle, Australia.

To meet the challenge of measuring up to Australian Quarantine Inspection Services (AQIS) standards, APTSC tapped into its previous experiences with the cleaning of used heavy earthmoving. “APTSC has been cleaning cranes, bulldozers, backhoes, even dismantled conveyor systems since 2004. We have an Australian- trained crew of specialist to do the cleaning and, most importantly, we are familiar with the tolerances of AQIS-which are very, very slim”, said APTSC Project Manager Alfred B. Schroeder.

The ICTSI locomotive and flatcars posed a unique challenge to APTSC. The trains – the locomotive specifically – bore year’s accumulated dust, soil and grease in highly inaccessible areas. Custom built hand tools had to be improvised, and special sprayer nozzles had to be fabricated to allow the cleaning crew to clean around corners, and crevices.

“We encountered layers of grease that had to be chipped away by hand. Industrial de-greaser just weren’t working fast enough. We also were restricted in spraying inside the compartments because of sensitive electrical components and hoses. Nevertheless, we are confident that APTSC can meet the challenges of this job”, Schroeder said.

Truckers coming into Manila International Container Terminal stop to watch as the cleaning team moves about spraying, scrubbing and wiping the train set. They’ve labeled it “Manila’s largest carwash” jokingly, often yelling for a quick spray of water to alleviate the heat and boredom. The crew good-naturedly obliges.

The ICTSI trains are scheduled to ship in May 2007 on a special charter jointly arranged by Antrak-Paccon Logistics & Aboitiz Project TS Corp.