ICTSI vows continued flow of trade, goods

Port operator giant International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI) said it is taking all the necessary measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 across its terminals globally without disrupting the essential flow of trade.

ICTSI, which operates 31 facilities worldwide, said most ports operate through web-based terminal operating systems with semi-automated or automated gates and online billing capabilities.

It said cargo handling is performed through single-operator port equipment, and standard security and safety policies dictate that there is limited human interaction in the operational areas.

Where there is substantial human interaction of employee to employee or customer to employee, ICTSI said all the necessary measures are being undertaken to either temporarily stop or limit it while ensuring a constant flow of essential trade.

“The immediate risks of COVID–19 to our business would come in the form of suspected virus spread. Thus, there would be temporary isolation of certain pieces of equipment, a shut-down of the billing areas or other commercial areas, and temporary stoppage of operations to isolate facilities and ensure a safe environment for the continued flow of goods,” the company said.

In the Philippines, ICTSI has encouraged its customers to use inland and barge facilities in Laguna and Cavite to provide options for locators in those areas to reduce travel and interaction.

The listed company of billionaire Enrique Razon assured the public that all of its terminals are fully operational as it continues to work with local and national authorities in all jurisdictions to prevent the further spread of COVID-19.

“We are taking every measure to protect our employees, customers, suppliers, contractors and the communities interacting with our terminals while ensuring that our part of the logistics chain is operating smoothly,” it said.

ICTSI said the impact of volume slowdowns would be regional in nature and would depend on how global supply chains continue to be affected by COVID-19.

“Our operations in the Philippines and other terminals around the world remain fully operational with no operational disruptions recorded to date. At our flagship facility in Manila, movement to and from the National Capital Region remains unimpeded based on the recently issued regulations by the national government,” it said.

ICTSI finished 2019 with a net income attributable to equity holders of $207.5 million, lower by 52 percent from the previous year, while revenue from port operations grew seven percent to $1.5 billion.
Source: Phil Star