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The Association of International Shipping Lines and Asian Terminals Inc. recently held a coordination meeting to accelerate cargo movement, optimizing terminal utilization, and sustaining efficient port operations
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The discussion focused on practical and innovative solutions to address prevailing operational challenges at ATI’s terminals, Manila South Harbor and Batangas Container Terminal
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The meeting also explored measures to further improve the movement of laden and empty containers, including the repositioning of empty containers to other Asian destinations where shipping equipment is needed
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The ATI-AISL initiative called Empty Loading Shipping Alliance has been extended to Batangas port from Manila South Harbor
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The possible deployment of additional sweeper vessels was also discussed to expedite empty container evacuation
The Association of International Shipping Lines (AISL) and Asian Terminals Inc. (ATI) recently held a coordination meeting to identify ways to accelerate cargo movement, optimize terminal utilization, and sustain efficient port operations in support of Philippine trade.
AISL in a statement said the October 20 discussion focused on practical and innovative solutions to address prevailing operational challenges at ATI’s terminals, Manila South Harbor and Batangas Container Terminal, emphasizing the importance of sustained stakeholder engagement and collective action to keep cargoes moving efficiently across the supply chain.
AISL said central to the discussions was the need to facilitate the timely withdrawal of import containers, particularly shipments that have completed customs clearance and documentary requirements, to ensure sufficient terminal space for incoming cargoes and uninterrupted vessel operations.
The group said both parties recognized that efficient cargo movement is a shared responsibility among terminal operators, shipping lines, importers, consignees, customs brokers, truckers, and other logistics stakeholders, whose coordinated efforts are essential to maintaining a healthy and resilient trade ecosystem.
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The meeting also explored measures to further improve the movement of laden and empty containers, including the repositioning of empty containers to other Asian destinations where shipping equipment is needed.
The possible deployment of additional sweeper vessels was discussed to expedite empty container evacuation.
AISL said these arrangements would be carefully coordinated with terminal operators, taking into account berth availability and vessel schedules to sustain orderly and efficient port operations.
The ‘ELSA’ initiative
Among the initiatives highlighted was the continued success of the Empty Loading Shipping Alliance (ELSA), an initiative between ATI and AISL members that started in 2019.
ELSA enables AISL member shipping lines to load their excess empty containers onto the earliest available partner vessels, on a daily basis, thus giving the member lines the platform they need to evacuate empties into shortage areas, thereby freeing up terminal and yard space to ensure operational efficiencies are sustained.
AISL said the initiative has helped the industry reposition empty containers from Manila South Harbor to regional hubs through participating ELSA-member shipping lines. It has also been extended through the implementation of a hybrid ELSA in Batangas, further supporting empty-container repositioning and improving container flow in the region.
Complementing these industry-led initiatives, ATI highlighted its continuing investments in modern port infrastructure and cargo-handling equipment, including additional electric internal transfer vehicles, hybrid rubber-tired gantry cranes, planned equipment acquisitions, and expanded refrigerated container facilities.
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These enhancements are geared toward improving operational efficiency, optimizing terminal capacity, and providing customers with reliable and future-ready port services.
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The AISL-ATI engagement forms part of the shipping group’s continuing dialogue with port operators, government agencies, and other stakeholders to develop responsive and sustainable solutions to evolving supply chain requirements.
Both organizations underscored the importance of maintaining open communication, exploring innovative operational approaches, and encouraging the timely retrieval of import shipments to improve container turnaround and maximize the productive use of terminal facilities.
Aside from ATI, AISL earlier also held consultative dialogues with port operator International Container Terminal Services, Inc. and the Philippine Multimodal Transport and Logistics Association, Inc.
READ: AISL, ICTSI tackle overstaying imports at MICT
Carriers, forwarders tackle empty container returns, other operational issues
