Manila-based Asian Terminals, Inc (ATI) has no plans to expand Batangas port, two hours away from the capital Manila, even if the facility’s cargo throughput is increasing.
“Batangas is a relatively new port and it does not need, so far, new investment and expansion as there is still enough room,” ATI chairman Kun Wah Wong said.
“Manila is more prominent, as all infrastructures and the population are concentrated here. It takes a little time to further increase the volume in Batangas. We need to educate the carriers, shippers, our customers to use Batangas port.”
He added, “But we are having success lately. Our plan is to turn it into a successful port. The port has all it takes.”
Wong expressed confidence Batangas port will become a major contributor to ATI operations in the next few years.
In 2011, Batangas port handled 12,922 twenty equivalent units.
NMC Container Lines and MCC Transport call at the port although a few other lines have reportedly expressed interest to use the facility.
Recently, ATI teamed up with the Philippine Economic Zone Authority, Philippine Ports Authority and Bureau of Customs in marketing Batangas port to firms in the Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon economic rim.
Photo from http://www.pdosoluz.com.ph/category/pmobatangas/batangas_baseport
