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The Association of International Shipping Lines and the Philippine Multimodal Transport and Logistics Association recently held a consultative dialogue on current operational concerns and explore opportunities for coordination
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A significant part of the discussion focused on the return of empty containers
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PMTLAI sought more clarity on the arrangements and procedures to help its members better manage customer expectations and address related concerns
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AISL offered to help facilitate coordination and identify the appropriate shipping line when specific concerns arise
The Association of International Shipping Lines (AISL) and the Philippine Multimodal Transport and Logistics Association (PMTLAI) recently held a consultative dialogue on current operational concerns and explore opportunities for coordination.
The dialogue, themed “Maritime Logistics: Challenges, Collaboration and the Way Forward,” provided an avenue for both organizations to better understand the operational challenges encountered across the maritime logistics chain and identify solutions, AISL said in a statement.
The meeting was held as other groups of port stakeholders are holding protests this week in the form of “rest day” and trucking holiday to bring attention to port and trucking issues, including the pileup of empty containers.
READ: Brokers, truckers extend Manila ports protest to Day 2
PMTLAI president Gregg Sebastian led the PMTLAI delegation, joined by vice president for seafreight Don Aquias, auditor Arnold Cabawatan, director for ways and means Tony Camacho, and executive director Doris Torres.
AISL was represented by its president, Patrick Ronas, together with vice president Jose Juan Lacson, executive director Atty. Maximino Cruz, board members Mariel Metzker and Judy Chua, along with members of the AISL Port Operations Committee.
Empty containers a focal issue
AISL said a significant part of the discussion focused on the return of empty containers, with PMTLAI seeking greater clarity on the arrangements and procedures to help its members better manage customer expectations and address related concerns.
AISL explained that empty container return arrangements may vary among shipping lines based on their respective commercial and operational practices. As such, concerns may be best addressed directly with the concerned shipping line.
AISL also offered to help facilitate coordination and identify the appropriate shipping line when specific concerns arise, allowing the parties to discuss the matter and explore an appropriate solution.
The dialogue also provided an opportunity to discuss current port and terminal operating conditions, including capacity pressures and other operational challenges affecting cargo and container movements.
AISL shared an overview of measures being undertaken by the shipping industry to help ease these constraints, including efforts to improve container flows, facilitate empty container acceptance, and expand available capacity.
Both organizations recognized the importance of continued communication and coordination between the shipping and logistics sectors in addressing operational concerns, AISL noted.
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The group added that the discussion with PMTLAI “emphasized the value of direct engagement on specific issues while maintaining an open channel between the two organizations for matters requiring broader industry coordination.”
AISL said the consultative dialogue also served as a constructive platform for the shipping group and PMTLAI to exchange perspectives, improve mutual understanding of operational processes, and strengthen their working relationship.
Both organizations expressed their commitment to continued dialogue and collaboration toward more efficient cargo and container movements and a more responsive and resilient Philippine maritime logistics sector, AISL said.
