MICT operations back to normal

MANILA, Philippines — International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI) said the operational levels at the Manila International Container Terminal (MICT) have returned to normal after “dangerously” low level of pullouts earlier threatened its operations.

ICTSI said overall terminal utilization at the MICT is now under 67 percent and reefer utilization at below 65 percent, with cargo pullouts during the enhanced community quarantine peaking last week.

The company said all incoming ships are also able to dock as scheduled, with no waiting time.

ICTSI attributed the improvement to the efforts of many port stakeholders, including the collaboration and cooperation of the government.

The immediate response of all other port stakeholders such as the shipping lines, consignees, truckers, brokers and forwarders were also lauded.

“Thanks to the extraordinary efforts of our frontline employees and many port stakeholders, the terminal has been able to pull off this feat.  Efforts should continue, however, to ensure that we have no repeat of the dangerously low level of pullouts we experienced at the end of March and in early April,” ICTSI executive vice president Christian Gonzalez said.

“The statistics have proven that government implemented exemptions for cargo and penalties for overstayers worked and that these, along with the efforts of importers, have avoided the unmanageable consequences we would have had if we did not respond as we did,” he said.

Gonzalez late last month appealed to cargo owners to remove their containers at MICT immediately to ensure efficient maritime trade flow.

“With the continued enhanced community quarantine, we cannot afford to be complacent. We must remember that there remains a significant amount of unclaimed cargo from well before March 2020, and we must ensure a free flow of cargo to facilitate the transport of critical food, medical supplies and basic necessities,” he said.