Association of International Shipping Lines President Patrick Ronas Highlights Cost Control and Efficiency at Joint Maritime Committee Meeting

On September 27, 2024, the Joint Maritime Committee Meeting was held at the German Club Manila, featuring a presentation by Patrick Ronas, President of the Association of International Shipping Lines (AISL). His insightful discussion centered around key initiatives within AISL and their current focus areas, providing attendees with a deeper understanding of the shipping industry’s ongoing efforts to improve operational efficiency and manage costs.

Some of the highlights of his presentation were AISL's ongoing initiatives, which include:

• Tempering the increase of cargo handling tariffs in Subic, Manila North, Manila South, and Batangas.
• Continuous calibration of quarantine procedures required by the Bureau of Quarantine.
• Maintaining consistent communication with Manila Harbor Pilots to address service charges.

He also emphasized Efficiency, citing the AISL Port Operations Committee’s regular meetings to address issues impacting the efficiency and service delivery of port terminals. These meetings engage various stakeholders such as depot operators, trucking associations, and government agencies to ensure a seamless flow of operations.

Mr. Ronas also spoke about Crisis Management, highlighting AISL’s concerted efforts to prepare for and manage situations that could disrupt the smooth and cost-efficient flow of goods. AISL’s Port Operations Committee and General Membership are actively working to mitigate potential risks that may arise from unfavorable conditions.

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all the attendees for their participation and valuable contributions to the discussion. Special thanks as well to Mr. Patrick Ronas for his enlightening presentation and for sharing his expertise with the committee. The meeting offered valuable insights into the critical role AISL plays in maintaining the stability and efficiency of the shipping industry, and it fostered meaningful discussions among industry stakeholders.

The Joint Maritime Committee Meeting is organized in collaboration with the Joint Maritime Committee (JMC) of the Dutch Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines (DCCP), the French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in the Philippines (CCIFP), the German-Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GPCCI), the Nordic Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines (NordCham), and the Philippines Norway Business Council (PNBC).