South Harbor gears up for holiday season

MANILA, Philippines - In support of its valued clients and customers, Manila-based Asian Terminals Inc. is implementing measures to ensure the free flow of trucks and cargoes in and out of Manila South Harbor especially during the holiday season.

As part of these efforts, ATI is continuously providing free container deliveries during weekends for the greater convenience and flexibilities of customers. This translates to cost-savings and ensures the availability of raw materials for manufacturers for their weekly production cycles.

Furthermore, ATI opened recently a 2.2-hectare yard in Sta. Mesa for empty containers which can accommodate as much as 2,400 TEUs. The support facility enables truckers to pre-deliver containers even before a laden ship arrives.

 “Because of this offsite yard in Sta. Mesa and our other efficiency measures and despite the seasonal cargo influx due to the Christmas season, we are moving cargoes without delay since there is no congestion at our port,” said ATI vice president for operations Sasedharan Vasudevan.

ATI’s other developments include an additional onsite yard with a static capacity of 1,020 TEUs for completion early in 2012 to cope with growth in the coming years as the economy expands. It is also retrofitting Pier 3 of the port to accommodate more volumes by 2013.

 “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 in a statement.

ATI’s 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.