Asian Terminals Inc. (ATI) and six major shipping lines agreed on January 19 to collaborate and carry out initiatives to mitigate the current logistics challenges that are caused due to the buildup of empty containers at the Manila South Harbor.
Namely, CMA CGM, T.S. Lines, Evergreen, Yang Ming Lines, Wan Hai Lines and Hyundai Maritime, will share vessel resources to clear empty containers in Manila, while ATI will provide resources to handle the requirements of the shipping lines to ensure quick turnaround time.
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According to ATI Executive Vice President William Khoury, after discharging their cargo, the ships docked at the port will load empty containers, no matter what the shipping line owns the containers.
This aspires to enhance the container recirculation process, ensure fast-track truck turnaround time and make bring port operations work to optimum levels.
Congestion, especially at the Port of Manila, is a big problem, as firm Hapag-Lloyd as well has said. In fact, this fact made the company stop acceptance for all reefer cargo to Manila, for both North and South Harbor.”
The notice, published in January 2019, also said that there was limited trucking capacity, which was another factor that stopped reefer imports to Manila.
