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Manila International Container Terminal and South Harbor are not congested even with some overstaying containerized rice shipments at the terminals
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Yard utilization is at 70% as of September 2024
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Some containerized rice shipments staying in ports for more than 20 days
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Free storage period is only five days
Manila International Container Terminal and South Harbor are not congested even with some overstaying containerized rice shipments at the terminals, according to the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA).
Yard utilization is at 70% as of September 2024, the agency said, indicating ports are operating well within capacity and not experiencing congestion.
The statement was made amid some containerized rice imports staying in ports for more than 20 days despite having been cleared for release by the Bureau of Customs. The situation, PPA said, has contributed to “perceived delays in shipments and possible artificial increases in rice prices.”
The free storage period is only five days.
Containers at PPA-managed ports have an average dwell time of 5.4 days, suggesting most cargoes are processed and released within the free storage period, PPA noted.
Some consignees, however, take longer to withdraw their containerized rice shipments, PPA said.
PPA general manager Jay Santiago reminded cargo owners, consignees, brokers, logistics providers, manufacturers, and other supply chain stakeholders to promptly withdraw cleared and overstaying cargoes from the ports, particularly at the Manila International Container Terminal, the country’s biggest terminal, to help ensure timely delivery of essential goods to end users.
The PPA said it is aware of the need for timely rice deliveries and is working to ensure no artificial delays in the handling of these essential cargoes.
“Our focus remains on supporting a stable supply chain for crucial commodities, and we are dedicated to resolving any issues that arise in this regard. We appreciate the continued cooperation and support from our private operators, as we strive to improve service delivery and better meet the needs of the public,” Santiago said.
PPA said it continues to collaborate closely with other government agencies and stakeholders to further streamline procedures and improve the efficiency of cargo handling to further reduce delays and ensure rice and other essential goods are processed and delivered as swiftly as possible.
Peak shipping season
Meanwhile, PPA anticipates an increase in cargo volume and a boost in productivity at the ports during the holiday season.
From January to June 2024, the country’s total container throughput reached 3.73 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), up 1.88% compared to 3.67 million TEUs handled in the same period last year.
This positive trend indicates growing demand for goods with the approaching holiday season, traditionally a peak period for shipping.
The PPA said it is preparing to accommodate the surge by enhancing operational efficiency and ensuring all necessary resources are in place.
The agency also emphasized the importance of prompt action by cargo owners and other stakeholders in facilitating the delivery of their cargo in and out of ports to minimize potential delays.
By adhering to established schedules, cargo owners, logistics providers, and other stakeholders can help prevent port congestion and maintain the flow of goods, especially during peak season, PPA said.
