A MONTH after the Philippine Ports Authority issued an ultimatum for overstaying containers, yard utilisation at the Manila International Container Terminal has decreased from 90% to 70%.
This was despite MICT handling a record monthly volume during this time.
The terminal was able to accept almost double the number of empty containers it was receiving, freeing up trucks in the process, resulting in more import pull outs.
Global corporate head of ICTSI, Christian R. Gonzalez, said shipping lines have now been able to bridge the gap in achieving their weekly empty container evacuation targets.
“We thank the Philippine government for taking a hard stand in fast-tracking the disposal and reduction of overstaying and empty containers at Manila ports,” Mr Gonzalez said.
“The results have been immediate and goes to show what determination and focus of purpose can do.”
Import dwell time has likewise been reduced from 11 days in January to 6.6 days at the start of April, resulting in zero ship queues.
ICTSI also continues to transfer more overstaying laden containers to Laguna Gateway Inland Container Terminal in Calamba.
“We are optimistic that most have understood the need for containers to move regularly and in a timely fashion, but the proof will come after Easter which historically has seen overstaying boxes surge,” Mr Gonzalez said.
