The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) has recorded an increase in cargo volume and a boost in productivity at the ports, attributing it to a growing demand for goods as the holiday season approaches.

PPA General Manager Jay Daniel Santiago said that from January to June this year, the PPA posted 3.73 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), which is two percent higher compared to the cargo volume in the same period last year.

“We anticipate an increase in cargo volume and a boost in productivity at the ports during the upcoming holiday season. This positive trend indicates a growing demand for goods as the holiday season approaches, which is traditionally a peak period for shipping and logistics,” said Santiago.

He said preparations are now being conducted to accommodate the expected surge in cargoes by enhancing operational efficiency and ensuring that all necessary resources are in place. 

One of them, he said, is the implementation of measures to push cargo owners and other stakeholders in facilitating the delivery of their cargo into and out of the ports to minimize any potential delays. 

“In order to ensure the smooth and efficient operation of port activities, it is crucial for all parties involved in the supply chain to take proactive measures. Timely delivery and pickup of cargo not only help in preventing congestion at the ports but also enhance overall productivity,” said Santiago.

“By coordinating effectively and adhering to established schedules, cargo owners, logistics providers, and other stakeholders can play a vital role in maintaining the flow of goods, especially during peak seasons,” he added.

Santiago earlier emphasized that there is no port congestion in any port in the country and cited PPA records which show that yard utilization at its ports is currently at 70 percent.

“This indicates that the ports are operating well within capacity and are not experiencing any congestion,” he said.

“The average dwell time for containers at PPA-managed ports stands at 5.4 days, which is the lowest in history and just 0.4 days beyond the free storage period of 5 days. This suggests that most cargoes are processed and released within the free storage period,” he added.