By 2022, Philippine port operator Asian Terminals, Inc (ATI) expects to handle 1.9 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) at its South Harbor terminal, double the facility’s current volume of 950,000 TEUs.
“South Harbor targets that by 2022, it will be able to handle 24 million metric tons of cargo, 1.9 million TEUs and 2,700 shipcalls,” a Philippine Ports Authority document showed.
As it is, ATI is already expanding capacity of its South Harbor terminal to one million TEUs from the current capacity of 950,000.
Several projects have also been lined as part of the $300-million investment to be spent for the expansion and rehabilitation of South Harbor, such as improvement and expansion of its container yard at the start of next year and rehabilitation of Pier 3 to accommodate more containers.
Meanwhile, ATI also adopted a number of measures to ensure the free flow of trucks and cargoes in and out of South Harbor, including continuously providing free container deliveries during weekends.
In addition, the company recently opened a 2.2-hectare off-dock container yard in Sta. Mesa which can accommodate as much as 2,400 TEUs. The facility enables truckers to pre-deliver containers even before a laden ship arrives.
“ATI constantly works with its stakeholders to ensure that efficient, reliable and expedient services are delivered 24/7 to its clients. Ensuring that ample spaces within and outside the port are provided to truckers and shippers are among the company’s topmost priorities,” said ATI vice president for operations Sasedharan Vasudevan.
The continued expansion programs are complemented with the deployment of new equipment, including two quayside cranes and other mobile equipment early this year to further fast-track turn-around time at the port.
