The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) on Thursday gave assurance that the country’s major ports all operate efficiently and without congestion following the holiday season and the Chinese New Year rush.
According to PPA data, the Manila South Harbor (MSH) posts a daily average yard utilization rate of 59 percent while the Manila International Container Terminal (MICT) operates at 71 percent. These figures highlight a stable trade environment despite increased container volumes during peak periods.
Both MSH and MICT showed significant growth in throughput for 2024. MSH handled 1.29 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), marking a 6.92 percent increase from the previous year, while MICT processed 2.95 million TEUs, a 5.08 percent rise.
The increase in trade activity is attributed to effective port management, strategic operational improvements, and modern infrastructure. PPA general manager Jay Santiago said that the ports are operating within optimal yard utilization levels, ensuring smooth trade flow without delay or backlog.
“Even with the increase in cargo volumes, these figures show that ports continue to function efficiently, avoiding delays in shipment movement,” Santiago said. “Yard utilization typically ranges from 67 percent to 70 percent, peaking slightly during holiday seasons.”
The PPA is proactive in boosting the competitiveness of Philippine ports through modernization efforts, digitalization of operations, and better coordination with private terminal operators. Additionally, the agency is working on regional port development, improved logistics solutions, and the establishment of a crisis management framework to handle supply chain disruptions.
Santiago further said that digitalization is crucial for continued growth, ensuring the transition to a more efficient, data-driven operation that supports the smooth flow of trade. The PPA’s investments in sustainable and disaster-resilient infrastructure are poised to drive long-term economic benefits for the country’s logistics sector.
