ATI Batangas port posts record volume in 2019

MANILA, Philippines — Asian Terminals Inc. (ATI) saw record growth in its Batangas Container Terminal (BCT) last year with the completion of the facility’s P2.5 billion expansion.

ATI said the BCT handled over 310,000 TEUS (twenty-foot equivalent units) of international boxes for economic locators and other businesses based mainly in Calabarzon area in 2019.

This was the highest container throughput it has handled since starting commercial operations in 2010.

ATI said last year’s record volume, which was a 25 percent increase from 2018, was driven by the patronage of its growing customers and support from shipping line partners, the port authorities, and its dockworkers.

“Equally important, this meant reducing around 150,000 truck trips from Metro Manila’s roads, with consignees opting to ship cargoes through BCT, a world-class terminal located a few kilometers from industrial hubs and conveniently accessible 24/7 through major highways,” the company said.

In April last year, ATI unveiled the bigger and better BCT as part of its investment commitment with the Philippine Ports Authority.

ATI infused around P2.5 billion in BCT to expand its berth, double its container handling equipment, and further increase its container storage capacity which now stands at around 500,000 TEUS annually.

ATI said its expansion program for the fast-growing container terminal in early 2019 has delivered higher capacity and greater efficiency for Calabarzon port users.

Port operations at BCT is supported by four quay cranes, eight rubber-tired gantry cranes, reachstackers, sideloaders, internal transfer vehicles and other cargo handling equipment, which enable quicker vessel and truck turnaround time.