Port predicts good Christmas for business

Speaking at a news conference at PATT’s city headquarters, acting PATT CEO Christopher Mendez said the statistics from January to October show that the port’s operations have improved in several areas. He particularly highlighted the installation of a new computerised container management system (CTMS) at the port, which has increased the accuracy of finding a container from 40 to 85 percent.

TT Manufacturers Association president Paul Quesnel said his organisation was happy with the CTMS which is "working well and improving."

Mendez attributed congestion at the port today to the non-collection of containers by consignees rather than any perceived failings by PATT. He said there are currently 2,011 containers still on the port, some of which have been there for a period of five to 15 days. Claiming that some consignees were abusing the system and their respective executives may not be aware of it, Mendez appealed to those executives to take the necessary action against delinquent individuals in their fold.

He disclosed that recommendations have been made to the Works and Transport Ministry to increase the storage fees at the port.

Mendez declined to say what the proposed increase was, but said a daily rate of $75 per 20-foot-equivalent (TEU) is currently paid at the port.