ATI’s bigger, smarter Batangas Container Terminal opens

April 30, 2019

A bigger and smarter trade enabler for Southern Luzon officially opened recently as listed Asian Terminals Inc. (ATI) unveiled the newly expanded Batangas Container Terminal (BCT).

Equipped with more berths, four quay cranes, eight yard cranes and complementary mobile handling equipment, BCT is now more capable of handling the growing trade volumes of CALABARZON (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon) region.

Equally important, BCT will continuously help decongest the National Capital Region, serving as a viable and competitive port alternative to the ports of Manila, in support of the economy.

In 2018, BCT handled a record volume of nearly 250,000 teus (twenty-foot equivalent units), representing an increase of more than 25 percent from previous year. With the expansion, BCT’s capacity has nearly doubled to over 500,000 teus, annually.

His Excellency Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO of DP World, ATI’s foreign equity partner, alongside Transport Secretary Arthur Tugade and Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III, representing Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte, led the terminal’s unveiling.

“Through ATI, DP World is delighted to help enable trade in the Philippines. This is our contribution to the Build-Build-Build program of the government as we work together to drive growth, stimulate trade, and create jobs through modern ports and logistics facilities,” Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem said.

Both secretaries Dominguez and Tugade also commended ATI’s latest investment worth over Php2.5 billion, which supports government’s thrust for sustainable and inclusive growth.

“This is a momentous day for the country’s progress and a big step forward for our economy’s emergence. BCT provides an alternative gateway for our rapidly expanding trade which will power our nation’s progress for decades to come,” Dominguez said.

Also present in the event were Philippine Ports Authority general manager Jay Santiago, Customs commissioner Rey Guerrero and Export Zone Authority head Charito Plaza.

DP World Group Chairman and CEO Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem (3rd from left), Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III and Transport Secretary Arthur Tugade cut the ceremonial ribbon to inaugurate the expanded Batangas Container Terminal.