ATI eyes more int’l shipments via Batangas port

MANILA, Philippines - Listed port operator Asian Terminals Inc. is beefing up its Batangas container terminal in its bid to venture into more international shipments to link importers and exporters directly and more frequently to regional and global markets.

ATI executive vice president Andrew Hoad said that the port operator is exploring more international shipping opportunities via its Batangas operations as major industries in the Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon (Calabarzon) are ramping up production.

“The time for Batangas Port is now,” Hoad stressed.

He also urged Calabarzon shippers, forwarders and manufacturers to capitalize on comprehensive and competitive services being offered by ATI through its Batangas operations.

Hoad pointed out that lower haulage cost is among major advantages of Batangas as it reduces both distance and time for Calabarzon cargoes to reach the port from factories.

“Less road miles, means less cost and less carbon emissions, it’s that simple,” he added.

With modern infrastructure and interlinked road networks, the container terminal in Batangas directly connects locators with their markets and facilitates faster cargo deliveries.

“Road congestion does not exist and there is no truck ban to frustrate traders via Batangas. All these advantages make Batangas container terminal a perfect complement to Manila ports,” Hoad explained.

He also noted that the Batangas container terminal was intended to complement Manila ports which serve a different and bigger market base, both in terms of geography and scale.

“What Batangas container terminal can do is draw cargoes which originate or are consigned from south of Metro Manila into a more natural hinterland to the benefit of business, consumers and environment,” he said. 

Industry heavyweights recently gathered in an event graced by Japanese ambassador Toshinao Urabe, Philippine Ports Authority general manager Juan Sta. Ana, European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines president Michael Reuber, Japan International Cooperation Agency representative Toru Yoshida and key officers of business locators in Calabarzon.

ATI highlighted Batangas Port’s strategic advantages during the conference while expressing optimism in having additional shipping services via the Batangas container terminal within the year.

Recognizing the huge potential of Batangas Port as a gateway for industries within and around Calabarzon, senior officials of global transport giant CMA CGM during the same event expressed their keen interest in linking Batangas with major shipping destinations across Asia through the company’s fully integrated subsidiary CNC Line.