SOUTH Harbor operator Asian Terminals, Inc. (ATI) is expecting better results this year on the back of positive economic developments.
“ATI is growing and is moving very well as the economy grows. ATI sees a better year for its business this 2008 as it maintains its optimism in the Philippine economy,” ATI chair Bryan Smith told PortCalls in a recent interview.
“We are constantly buying equipment… We are also investing in civil works, equipment and port facility,” he added.
Recently, ATI bought three rubber-tired gantry cranes worth $3.4 million. This year, the operator will have a new combined South Harbor truck holding area and will be expanding the container terminal stacking yard significantly.
ATI is also undertaking the rehabilitation of Pier 13 into the first dedicated covered motor vehicle terminal in the Philippines.
“I have always stressed that one of the core strengths of ATI is the capability to combine expertise, equipment and other resources to offer integrated port solutions. This principle of synergy runs true not only in South Harbor but throughout the whole company,” Smith explained.
Projects in the pipeline include the extension of crane rails and adding one more quay crane at Pier 3; the building of crane rails and two additional quay cranes at Pier 9; and the development of additional container yard at adjacent to its Eva Macapagal Domestic Terminal.
ATI is reportedly sinking in fresh investments of $350 million for South Harbor after the Philippine Ports Authority approved its cargo-handling contract extension for another 25 years through 2038.
