ASIAN Terminals Inc. (ATI) says it is exploring more international shipping opportunities to link importers and exporters directly and more frequently to regional and global markets via its modern Batangas Container Terminal (BCT).

In a recent business gathering at the Bonifacio Global City recently, ATI highlighted the strategic advantages of Batangas Port while expressing optimism in having additional shipping services via BCT within the year.

The event was graced by Japanese Ambassador Toshinao Urabe, Philippine Ports Authority general manager Juan Sta. Ana, European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines president Michael Raeuber, Japan International Cooperation Agency representative Toru Yoshida and key officers of business locators from Calabarzon.

"The time for Batangas Port is now," declared ATI executive vice president Andrew Hoad as he urged Calabarzon shippers, forwarders and manufacturers to capitalize on BCT's service offerings.

Hoad said lower haulage cost is among BCT's major advantages as it offers shorter distance and time for Calabarzon cargoes to reach the port from factories. "Less road miles, means less cost and less carbon emissions, it's that simple," he said.

With modern infrastructure and interlinked road networks, BCT connects locators directly with their markets and speeds up cargo deliveries. "Road congestion does not exist and there is no truck ban to frustrate traders via Batangas," Hoad stressed.

Hoad noted that BCT was intended to complement Manila ports, which serve a different and bigger market base, both in terms of geography and scale.

"What BCT can do is draw cargoes which originate or are consigned from south of Metro Manila into a

 more natural hinterland to the benefit of business, consumers and environment," he said.

Recognizing the potential of Batangas Port as a gateway for industries within and around Calabarzon, officials of CMA CGM during the same event expressed their keen interest in linking Batangas with major shipping destinations across Asia through the company's fully integrated subsidiary CNC Line. Initially, the proposal was to study services to cover Batangas using the BMX service (Xingang­Dalian­Qingdao­Fuqing­Xiamen­Shantou­Yantian­Chiwan­HongKong­Manila­Batangas­HongKong­Xingang) and the China 1 service (Qingdao­Shanghai­Ningbo­Xiamen­Hong Kong­  Chiwan­Jakarta­Surabaya­Batangas­Manila­Hong Kong­Qingdao).

CMA CGM is represented in Manila by CMA CGM Philippines Inc.

Source: Port Calls; News; 05 August 2013