ATI, DTI promote Batangas Port as smarter trade option

August 16, 2019

Trade enablers Asian Terminals Inc. (ATI) and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) region 4-A are encouraging more southern Luzon enterprises to benefit from the faster and smarter shipping options delivered by the expanded Batangas Container Terminal (BCT).

In a recent forum attended by representatives from the electronics, automotive, metals, manufacturing and agriculture sectors, ATI and DTI officials highlighted the advantages of shipping goods through BCT particularly on logistics predictability, production efficiencies and overall cost savings, especially now with BCT’s larger footprint and higher vessel frequency.

Back in April, ATI unveiled an expanded BCT bannered by four quay cranes, eight rubber-tired gantry cranes, modern cargo handling equipment and longer docking facilities,behind a Php2.5 billion programmed capital expenditure.

This major investment,in line with ATI’s commitment with the Philippine Ports Authority and in response to market demand, effectively increased BCT’s annual container handling capacity to around 500,000 teus (twenty-foot equivalent units) from 300,000 teus previously.

Currently, 11 weekly trade services operated by Sealand-Maersk, CMA-CGM, Evergreen, Cosco, SITC and Wan Hai shipping lines directly connect BCT to China, Hong Kong, Singapore,Taiwan, Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand and other key Asian and global trade hubs.

“DTI would like our manufacturers and exporters in Calabarzon to further grow and develop by being efficient and cost effective. Batangas Port…not just [serves as] a transshipment hub but also as a port that can directly ship cargoes to international destinations at the least possible time,” DTI Calabarzon director Marilou Toledo said.

From January to June alone, BCT handled a record throughput of over 160,000 teus of foreign container boxes, or over 40 percent higher than the same period in 2018,setting BCT on track of surpassing its full year throughput of nearly 250,000 teus in 2018.

BCT’s first semester cargo volume also meant reducing over 80,000 truck trips along Metro Manila roads,with more consignees directly routing shipment via Batangas Port.