PPA: Manila ports’ yard utilization ‘very healthy’

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PPA: Manila ports’ yard utilization ‘very healthy’

AFP

Cargo utilization at the Manila International Container Terminal (MICT) and the Manila South Harbor (MSH) remain 'very healthy' at 60%

MANILA, Philippines – Although ports in Manila are far from being congested, the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) asked cargo owners to continue withdrawing their cargoes this holiday season so as not to clog the ports with the influx of Christmas shipments.

As of the moment, the PPA said cargo utilization at the Manila International Container Terminal (MICT) and the Manila South Harbor (MSH) remain “very healthy” at 60%, or approximately 49,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) inside the terminal ready to be withdrawn or exported.

It was in 2014 to early 2015 when yard utilization at the two ports were averaging at above 90% due to an imposed truck ban, causing the prices of some goods to rise.

The PPA said yard productivity at the two ports remains high with an average of 20 to 25 moves an hour as of December 20. (READ: No port congestion problem with return of truck ban – Palace)

“Philippine ports, particularly our international gateways, will be in full commercial operations except for a couple of hours on Christmas and New Year’s Day because ships continue to come and go even during holidays,” PPA General Manager Jay Daniel Santiago said in a statement.

“I am urging all cargo owners and other stakeholders to maintain their current operations in order to have a swift turnaround time for their cargoes and if possible send their exports bound for Chinese ports early to prevent any hold-up when celebrations for the Chinese New year kick in,” Santiago added.

The PPA attributed the healthy yard utilization at both terminals to the Truck Appointment and Booking System as well as the high storage penalty.

Cargo volume, on the other hand, has been increasing by about 10% monthly since the start of the 3rd quarter due to the run-up to Christmas.

The PPA, meanwhile, also said it has maintained tight security in domestic ports since All Saints’ Day.

“I reiterated to our port personnel to take all the necessary measures to reduce any inconvenience and to make sure that our ports are safe at all times,” Santiago said.

The PPA assured importers, exporters, and cargo owners that ports have enough capacity with the coming Chinese New Year. For the festivities, Chinese-owned firms are expected to shut down operations for a couple of days. – Chrisee Dela Paz/Rappler.com

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