Manila South Harbor berth occupancy below 60% – ATI

Port operator Asian Terminals Inc. (ATI) on Monday said it has recorded a berth occupancy rate of below 60 percent at the Manila South Harbor.

In an emailed statement, ATI said the berth occupancy at Manila South Harbor is well within the international berth occupancy standards of 70 percent, with no vessels queuing up at the dock site.

This indicates that the terminal has ample space for container storage and sufficient capacity to handle more vessels, lessening the possibility of import delays during the peak season.

"It's the best December we've ever had at South Harbor. Cargo flow has remained robust and unimpeded, even as we reach this year's homestretch," ATI Executive Vice President Andrew Hoad said.

ATI recorded its highest shipment volume, terminal productivity and fastest service delivery this year.

"In September, the terminal handled over 100,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (teus) of international containers for the first time in a single month, besting its equally remarkable performance in May, June, and October when it handled over 90,000 teus," the company said.

ATI attributed the improved performance at the port to the Terminal Appointment Booking System (TABS) launched by the government last year, as a measure to keep the movement of goods and cargoes flowing smoothly at the port area. — Jon Viktor Cabuenas/VS, GMA News