-
Delays in the implementation of an Asian Terminals Inc. system upgrade caused a massive traffic jam today (April 2) on Bonifacio and Railroad Drives in Manila
-
The upgrade had taken longer than expected to complete, ATI said
-
This caused a massive buildup of cargo trucks lining up to enter the Manila South Harbor gate
-
In a circular, ATI informed clients that the system upgrade was timed when the port was closed on March 29 for Good Friday
-
The Philippine Ports Authority said ATI promised to resolve the situation within the day
-
“No Show Penalty” will not be imposed on the affected trucks
Delays in the implementation of an Asian Terminals Inc. (ATI) system upgrade caused a massive traffic jam on Bonifacio and Railroad Drives in Manila today (April 2).
The upgrade had taken longer than expected to complete, ATI said in a circular dated April 2.
This caused a massive buildup of cargo trucks lining up to enter the Manila South Harbor gate, according to the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA).
ATI marketing circular no. 0424-014 said the Manila South Harbor, which it operates, conducted a system upgrade timed when the port was closed on Good Friday, March 29. The upgrade was mean to ensure efficient and seamless transactions, according to ATI.
“However, the upgrade took longer than expected and was only completed this morning (April 2). Admittedly, this has impacted the gate transactions,” the circular said.
PPA said ATI promised to resolve the situation within the day.
The upgraded system was implemented on Saturday and Monday when imported containers started to be pulled out. Some issues were discovered affecting the continuous entry of trucks, according to a separate PPA advisory.
The “No Show Penalty” will not be imposed on the affected trucks, said PPA.
Earlier, ATI said it expects to complete Manila South Harbor’s Pier 3 berth expansion by the latter part of 2025, bringing the terminal’s annual capacity to 1.9 million twenty-foot equivalent units from the current 1.45 million TEUs.
The terminal operator is acquiring two new quay cranes which will be delivered in time for the opening of the expanded berth.
In 2023, Manila South Harbor handled 1.203 million TEUs, 7.4% higher than the 1.121 million TEUs recorded in 2022.
