The Philippine Bureau of Customs (BOC) is implementing special remedial procedures to clear cargoes carried by Maersk Line affected by last week’s global cyber attack that downed the shipping giant’s systems.
Maersk was one of the companies infected by ransomware Petya, which led to personal computers and data being locked up and held for ransom. Specifically, this has meant the non-availability of cargo manifests. In the Philippines, the absence of an electronic cargo manifest triggers a domino effect on import cargo clearance by the BOC. Without a manifest, the customs broker cannot lodge import entry declarations, and import duties taxes and customs charges cannot be paid.
BOC-Manila International Container Terminal (MICT) district collector Atty. Jet Maronilla told PortCalls in a phone call that the customs bureau, in close coordination with MICT port operator International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI), is implementing special procedures so that Maersk Line’s shipments are released with minimal disruption and delays in order to avoid shippers paying demurrage.
Maronilla noted that most of Maersk Line’s shipments going through MICT are under the super green lane (SGL) facility anyway so no problems were encountered in their release. SGL is a trade facilitation measure that allows release of accredited companies’ shipments even before processing.
For other non-SGL shipments, BOC is ready to conduct manual processing, Maronilla said.
READ: Cyber attack on Maersk Line could lead to PH port congestion
He added that BOC district collectors were given a special authority to implement their own remedial or temporary solutions, but that an official advice will soon be issued by the deputy commissioner of the Assessment and Operations Coordinating Group.
In the meantime, he asked stakeholders to coordinate with BOC officials, specifically the deputy collector for operations at their particular port.
ICTSI, for its part, said there are no delays in the discharge and release of shipments transported by Maersk Line.
“There are no delays. We’ve had three ships since they’ve had that problem, we haven’t had any delays. We operate 30 ports around the world, we haven’t had any issues with Maersk,” ICTSI senior vice president and regional head for Asia Pacific and MICT Christian Gonzalez told PortCalls in a chance interview on July 4.
As of the morning of July 4, he noted that the current utilization of MICT stood at 65.96%, below the 70% ideal.
Asian Terminals Inc. also told PortCalls it’s “business as usual” at the Manila South Harbor with “no delays and interruptions”.
The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) likewise told PortCalls the current capacity at Manila terminals, Manila South Harbor and MICT, is enough to handle Maersk shipments that may be delayed.
In its latest advisory dated July 3, Maersk said its online shipping portal, My.MaerskLine.com, is now open again, offering most functionalities. This will enable clients to book and check schedules on Maersk Line’s site, functionalities that were immobilized by the cyber attack.
“We are still securing the last details which will enable us to do Tracking, Shipping Instructions and Quote as well. This replaces the interim booking process—and you do not need to resubmit any bookings already made. Please also rest assured that all your data is safe and secure, even if you cannot find it right now. You can also continue to book via EDI and INTTRA,” the advisory stated.
It added Maersk is overcoming technical challenges to “produce Import Manifests for all vessels in order to dispatch around the world.”
“Export Manifests are also now being produced, providing us the means to serve all customers with their documents as per normal working standards. We are also pleased that the first Bills of Lading have gone out and many more are in the making.”
“We understand that you have lots of outstanding questions around your cargo. We are determined to answer them all, and we are grateful for your continued patience as all our systems come online,” Maersk added.
The carrier’s vessels remain sailing and all terminals—except one—are now functioning, importing and releasing export cargo.
In an update for Southeast Asia dated July 3, Maersk said its direct lines have re-opened and are awaiting clients’ calls. Email accounts are also open for queries. The list of phones and email addresses can be viewed at http://www.maersk.com/en/operationalupdate/asia-pacific/south-east-asia. – Roumina Pablo
