Batangas Container Terminal, operated by listed Asian Terminals Inc., has steadily sustained its role as a key trade enabler outside Metro Manila, keeping vital goods flowing for major industries in south Luzon and supporting government efforts in spreading economic activity outside the National Capital Region.
BCT handled over 85,000 twenty-foot equivalent units of international containers as of end-July, setting it on course to yet another record performance this year after handling over 130,000 TEUs in 2015.
ATI attributed BCT’s solid volume growth to its expanding list of customers in Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon) led by Japanese electronics giants, food and beverage conglomerates, retailers, agri-exporters and leading car manufacturers, all taking advantage of a comprehensive and competitive international gateway port within their reach.
BCT is conveniently accessible 24/7 to industrial zones 10- to 50-kilometers away through modern highways and seamless road infrastructure. Ample third-party truckers, duly accredited by the local government units, also offer reliable services at competitive rates.
Seven freight services call Batangas weekly, while another docks fortnightly, providing shippers a direct and fast link to Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan, Japan, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia and other global trade hubs.
Aside from proximity and connectivity, efficient services are delivered by Calabarzon’s preferred trade gateway as backed by modern port systems and streamlined processes.
BCT upgraded to Navis Sparcs in 2014, the same system which powers the biggest marine terminals in the world. This resulted in greater port efficiency and productivity, bannered by BCT’s record production of 30 gross moves per crane per hour in July 2015, which puts it up to par with world class container hubs like Singapore and Hong Kong.
GMPH is a measure of how many boxes cranes move from ship to shore in an hour. The efficient handling of vessels at berth result in faster ship turnaround and quicker deliver of cargoes to consignees. Thus far, BCT’s production is over 28 GMPH, or more than the industry’s 25 GMPH average, with several months equalling its production best of 30 GMPH.