The Batangas Container Terminal (BCT), operated by Asian Terminals, Inc. (ATI), continues to open up more trade opportunities for Southern Luzon, handling more ships and cargoes for the booming industries of Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, and Quezon).

ATI recently welcomed MV Conrad of Royal Cargo, Inc. (RCI) on its maiden voyage into BCT as it delivered over 180 reefer container boxes directly to Batangas from Antwerp, Belgium.

ATI Executive Vice President Andrew Hoad (right) hands over a commemorative plaque to Royal Cargo, Inc. Group CEO Michael Raeuber to mark MV Conrad’smaiden voyage into Batangas Port.

ATI Executive Vice President Andrew Hoad (right) hands over a commemorative plaque to Royal Cargo, Inc. Group CEO Michael Raeuber to mark MV Conrad’smaiden voyage into Batangas Port.

The ship’s call also officially marked RCI’s foray into the shipping business and sets another first for BCT for discharging the most number of reefer boxes at the port in one sailing.

This further demonstrates BCT’s capacity and capability in handling growing volume of shipment as a competitive international port gateway, especially for industries in Calabarzon.

BCT has over 350 reefer plugs, with generator sets on standby, to support containerized frozen commodities.

During the1st quarter of 2017, BCT handled more than 40,000 teus (twenty-foot equivalent units), 30% higher than the same period last year. In 2016, it booked its highest annual container throughput since 2010 at nearly 160,000 teus.

In support of future growth, ATI has begun plans of expanding BCT, starting with the extension of its crane rails and yard.

This will be followed by the deployment of two more quay cranes (QC) and four additional rubber-tired gantry (RTG) cranes, to bring its QC and RTG fleet to 4 and 8, respectively. BCT’s first expansion phase will bring its annual capacity to over 450,000 teus from over 300,000 teus.

Source: Manila Bulletin