Asian Terminals Inc. South Harbor (ATI SH) reiterated its support for the port community by continuing to allow the direct return of empty containers from consignees to the terminal.
The advisory, issued in response to ongoing concerns over port congestion, was posted on the Facebook page of the Bureau of Customs–Port of Manila (BOC-POM).
“Please be advised that ATI SH continues to accept reefer boxes (refrigerated containers) and should be able to handle more incoming. Reefer bookings for South Harbor discharge is acceptable,” ATI said in its advisory.
According to BOC-POM, the initiative is made possible through the Empty Loading Shipping Agreement (ELSA), which has been in place since 2018 in coordination with member shipping lines to help address challenges in returning empty containers.
ATI also emphasized that ELSA members have deployed sweeper vessels dedicated to transporting empty containers, ensuring the continuous and unhampered movement of both empty and import cargoes within the port.
“BOC-POM and ATISH remains committed to working collaboratively with all stakeholders to ease congestion and improve port operations,” BOC-POM stated.
As of 7 a.m. on May 29, 2026, reefer yard utilization at South Harbor stood at 47.26 percent, while bulk and breakbulk yard utilization was 59.92 percent. Overall yard utilization reached 78.14 percent.
On May 22, 2026, the Port of Manila District Collector issued a memorandum reminding stakeholders of the need for the timely release of imported cargoes and the re-exportation of empty containers within the prescribed period.
All concerned stakeholders were advised to strictly comply with the required timelines to avoid cargoes being deemed abandoned pursuant to Section 1129 of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act.
Shipping lines were likewise reminded to re-export containers within the prescribed period to avoid the imposition of corresponding duties and taxes under Section 5 of CAO No. 1-2015.
