EFFORTS to fast-track the movement of overstaying import containers from port of Manila have resulted in the utilisation rate dropping below 58% at Manila International Container Terminal despite several holiday periods and low trucking activity.
This follows the 70% utilisation rate recorded in April, down 20% percent from January after private sector partners and the government signed a manifesto last March calling for the efficient utilisation of container terminals.
“The significant efforts in which both the private sector and the Bureau of Customs to release longer-staying imports at the terminal has resulted in lower overall container dwell times allowing us to efficiently utilise the ample capacity to accelerate volume growth,” Christian Gonzalez, ICTSI global corporate head said.
“We commend the government for leading the initiative against overstaying containers, and call on stakeholders to embrace these gains by not reverting to the old ways which has been common in previous years when utilisation rates drop,” he said.
Port of Manila dealt with high utilisation rates at the end of last year due to the longstanding problem of overstaying imports coupled with a lack of external empty container capacity, further compounded by weather-related vessel delays, holiday peak season, and the import-export imbalance.
