ATI to deploy 6 more gantries to boost capacity

MANILA, Philippines - Listed port operator Asian Terminals Inc. (ATI) is deploying six more modern rubber-tired gantries (RTGs) after commissioning a new crane to boost the operational efficiency and service of reliability at the Manila South Harbor.

ATI said two of the six RTGs would be operational upon assembly completion by May to support the safe and efficient cargo handling operations at the South Harbor.

As part of its contractual commitments with the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), ATI is continuously bolstering the operational capability and efficiency of both Manila South Harbor and Batangas Port.

The port operator is pursuing process improvements, equipment acquisition and infrastructure development to better serve the country’s growing economy in both the consumer driven Manila market and the industrial driven Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon (Calabarzon) market.

ATI recently deployed an additional Liebherr quay crane at the South Harbor bringing the combined strength and synergy of its ship-to-shore cranes to nine.

ATI’s new quay crane, capable of handling post-panamax ships with its 60-ton twin-lift capacity and boom reach of 16 containers wide, was deployed at the newly rehabilitated Pier 3.

Pier 3 was outfitted last year with extended crane rails and expanded back-up container storage areas.

The crane parts were delivered to Manila within just six months through the global procurement strength of ATI foreign shareholder – DP World.

Manila South Harbor is primed up to handle more and bigger ships at faster vessel and truck turnaround time with three quay cranes at Pier 3 and six quay cranes at Pier 5.

– Lawrence Agcaoili

Alongside the acquisition of more equipment, ATI is also enhancing its yard footprint within the Manila South Harbor expanded port zone to better manage the flow of containers.

ATI has earmarked P2.2 billion this year to undertake its most aggressive investment program in over two decades particularly for the South Harbor in Manila and the Port of Batangas in Batangas.

ATI manages and operates the South Harbor as well as the Inland Clearance Depot in Manila, Port of Batangas, Batangas Container Terminal, and Batangas Supply Base. It also owns 35.71 percent of South Cotabato Integrated Port Services Inc, the existing cargo handling operator at the Makar Wharf in the Port of General Santos , General Santos City.

The port operator is also set to expand overseas after its Board of Directors approved amendments to the company’s Articles of Incorporation that would allow it to invest abroad.