Port congestion back with yard utilization at over 90%

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Manila International Container Terminal
Manila International Container Terminal

Manila ports’ yard utilization has again shot up to over 90%, prompting the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) to issue on April 7 another call for cargo owners and consignees to withdraw their overstaying cargoes.

Yard utilization had already dropped to 75% on April 4 from 96% to 98% on April 1.

READ: Port congestion eases with Manila terminals’ yard utilization down to 75% from high of 98%

“The last time we called the attention of cargo shippers, and consignees, they pulled out their overstaying cargoes and we reached 75% utilization. Now, it is over 90% again. I am again appealing to you—be consistent in pulling out your overstaying cargoes to make much needed space in our ports,” Transport Secretary Arthur Tugade said in a press statement.

Tugade on April 4 said a 60% yard utilization was eyed to achieve ideal terminal operation.

PPA general manager Atty. Jay Daniel Santiago on April 4 also said PPA is coordinating with the Bureau of Customs (BOC) to dispose of more than 800 overstaying reefer containers to free up space in the reefer yard of the Manila International Container Terminal.

To expedite release of refrigerated containers and dry cargoes from the Manila ports during the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ), Joint Administrative Order (JAO) 20-01 was signed on April 2 by the Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Agriculture, BOC, and PPA.

(The ECQ has been extended by President Rodrigo Duterte until April 30.)

READ: JAO fast tracks release of cargoes to address port congestion

Under the JAO, cargoes staying at the port beyond 30 days from date of vessel discharge must be withdrawn within five days from the issuance of JAO 20-01, or be considered abandoned and subject to immediate disposition.

Refrigerated containers must be pulled out from the terminal within seven days, except for chilled cargoes which are given five days from the issuance of JAO 20-01.

The JAO covers time-sensitive chilled cargoes like pharmaceuticals/medicines, fruits, vegetables, chilled meat or other foodstuffs; frozen cargoes like fish and meat; and dry goods like out-of-gauge cargoes, described as heavy equipment or project cargoes stored on flatbed chassis.

JAO 20-01 implements the order of the Inter-agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases to address disruptions in the supply chain. – Roumina Pablo

Photo courtesy of DOTr