The Philippine Ports Authority is calling for a thorough study of a Japan International Cooperation Agency proposal to divert cargo ships out of Metro Manila as a way to decongest the port.
PPA general manager Juan Sta. Ana said the Jica study required more careful evaluation, as it merely suggested diverting ships to Subic and Batangas ports without giving considerations to affected stakeholders like exporters.
“The utilization of Subic and Batangas ports is a way to go. What we’re saying is for the government to study further what is the best way to maximize the usage of those facilities,” Sta. Ana said.
He said despite lowering the tariff and fees to the alternative ports, cargo ships still went to Manila since most if not all warehouses were located in the capital.
“In the case of Subic, we have pulled down tariff for cargo handling, berthing, wharfage, storage, etc. But after lowering those fees, since like two or three years ago, cargo ships still do not go there,” he said.
“In the same manner in Batangas, we gave incentives to berthing. What we’re trying to say is that, it’s not just decongesting Manila port, but we need to also study the behavior of exporters and other locators. If we pursue with implementing the diversion, there will be a lot of casualties,” he added.
The PPA reiterated it was not against the diversion with the Manila port congestion. Subic and Batangas ports, though, are not ready for handling such big traffic.
Source: Seafarer Times
