Asian Terminals Inc. (ATI) said on Wednesday it has set aside a budget of P5 billion for its capital expenditures (capex) program for 2022, which will include the upgrade of its terminals to support the supply chain.
The investment program will be used to “support ongoing ports and logistics infrastructure projects across key sites in Manila, Batangas and Laguna as well as the acquisition of more modern and eco-friendly equipment in step with its growth strategy and in line with its investment commitment with the port authority.”
“As a trade enabler, we are very bullish of our infrastructure projects which would enable us to deliver faster, safer, and market-responsive services to our customers and further contribute to the country’s post-pandemic economic recovery,” ATI Executive Director William Khoury said.
For the Manila South Harbor, ATI will be expanding the terminal’s yard and berthing facilities to bring its capacity from 1.4 million twentyfoot equivalent units (TEUs) to 2 million TEUs by 2024.
ATI is also upgrading the Batangas Passenger Terminal (BPT) to become the “biggest, best, and busiest interisland transport hub in the country.” The first phase of the BPT expansion will be operational next quarter in time for the summer peak season.
Upon full completion in 2023, the new BPT will resemble the fast-craft terminals in Hongkong and Macau, featuring fully airconditioned boarding lounges, food and entertainment kiosks, and other modern amenities, including facilities for differently abled passengers.
ATI reported a 24.3 percent decline in net income to P2.95 billion in 2021 due to increases in cost and a flattish top line of P11.16 billion.
The company operates the Manila South Harbor, the Port of Batangas, Batangas Container Terminal and off-dock yards in Sta. Mesa, Manila and Calamba, Laguna.
“Collectively, these vital trade and transport gateways provide comprehensive ports and logistics services for containerized cargoes, bulk and break-bulk cargoes, project and rolling shipment and passengers,” ATI said.
Image credits: www.asianterminals.com.ph