INTERNATIONAL Container Terminal Services Inc. (Ictsi) has appointed Rico T. Cruz as terminal manager for its flagship, the Manila International Container Terminal (MICT).

Cruz was formerly the general manager of Ictsi subsidiary PT Makassar Terminal Services in Indonesia and concurrent business-development manager.

He was among Ictsi pioneer employees when the company started operating the MICT in 1988. Starting as container-freight station supervisor, he rose through the ranks and was eventually named operations manager in 1997.

In 2000 he was seconded as general manager of South Cotabato Integrated Port Services Inc., an Ictsi affiliate and cargo handler at the Maker Wharf in General Santos City.

In 2005 he was named general manager of Subic Bay International Terminal Corp. (SBITC) and concurrent business development manager. SBITC is an Ictsi subsidiary and cargo handler at the NSD Terminal in Subic Bay Freeport, Zambales.  He was seconded to Indonesia in 2006.

Cruz holds a degree in Customs Administration from PMI Colleges. He reports to Francis M. Andrews, Ictsi senior vice president for operations and MICT general manager.

Persian Gulf tanker rates may stem drop on fuel prices 

THE cost of shipping Middle East crude to Asia, the world’s busiest market for supertankers, may stem three days of declines as owners deploy ships to West Africa, where earnings are higher, and fuel prices reach records.              

INTERNATIONAL Container Terminal Services Inc. (Ictsi) has appointed Rico T. Cruz as terminal manager for its flagship, the Manila International Container Terminal (MICT).

COAL and iron-ore freight rates rose to a record for a fifth day on speculation China’s economic growth will bolster demand for commodities.