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Bureau Of Customs News

14 Sep 2023

Philippines Coast Guard Orders 80 OXE Marine Diesel Outboards

(Image: OXE Marine)

The Philippines Coast Guard has awarded a contract to OXE Marine’s exclusive distributor in the Philippines, Dynamic Power Marine and Industrial Hardware in partnership with DM8 Composites, to procure 40 high-speed vessels equipped with twin OXE300 outboards. As a result of the awarded contract, Dynamic Power will supply 80 engines to equip the high-speed vessels to support operations all over the Philippines.The vessels will be built by DM8 Composites, a FRP boat builder in the Philippines.

27 Jun 2019

ICTSI Manila Yard Utilization Falls Again

The global port management company International Container Terminal Services Inc.(ICTSI) said yard utilization at its Manila port dropped 58 percent in June despite a series of holiday periods and low trucking activity.The Manila International Container Terminal (MICT), ICTSI flagship, recorded the drop in utilization rates despite recording its all-time highest throughput over a four-month period.Philippines-headquartered port and terminal operator said that this follows the 70 percent utilization rate recorded in April, down 20 percent from 90 percent in January after private sector partners and  the government signed a manifesto last March calling for the efficient utilization of container terminals.

06 Mar 2019

Port of Manila Cargo Flow Improves

The Port of Manila decongested its yard space by removing some overstaying containers said a port representative.The collaborative synergy between Asian Terminals Inc. (ATI), port authorities and international shipping lines has yielded positive gains in significantly freeing up yard space and further easing cargo flows at the international gateway port Manila South Harbor.As of March 4, yard utilization at Manila South Harbor has reached optimal levels at 65 percent from high 90s in preceding weeks, owing largely to concrete steps taken by its stakeholders, the cooperation of importers and the support of the Bureau of Customs (BOC) and the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA).In mid-February…

01 Nov 2018

Cautious Consolidation for OSV Companies Brings Market Change

A Gulfmark offshore support vessel (CREDIT: Gulfmark)

Will a rising tide in the offshore oil markets float all the boats? In the U.S. Gulf of Mexico, that remains to be seen.Offshore services, exploration and production are on a roll. In early October, yet another business combination of big drillers was announced. In a sign of optimism, Ensco announced its plan for an all-stock acquisition of Rowan Offshore, worth around $2.4 billion. The new company will be domiciled in the United Kingdom, but will have a large presence in Houston.

19 Feb 2017

Cambodia Study Looks at Port Data Exchange

A feasibility study to look into the possible expansion of the Northeast Asia Logistics Information Service Network (NEAL-NET) is being undertaken in Cambodia, as part of a project co-funded by International Maritime Organization (IMO) and China. NEAL-NET was established in 2010 by China, Japan and the Republic of Korea as a transnational, non-profit cooperative mechanism for logistics information exchange and technological cooperation. The envisaged expansion of NEAL-NET is expected to support the implementation of the revised Facilitation Convention, which will require public authorities to establish systems for the electronic exchange of information relating to ships’ cargo, crew and passengers, by 8 April 2019.

14 Nov 2016

ICTSI Opens CFS in Central Luzon

Subic Bay International Terminal Corporation (SBITC) recently opened its Dock Container Freight Station (CFS) at the New Container Terminal 2 (NCT 2) of the Subic Bay Freeport in Zambales. Inaugurated last 7 November, the CFS is the first and only facility of its kind to serve the Central Luzon Market. Roberto Locsin, SBITC General Manager, led the ribbon-cutting and welcomed partners from Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, Bureau of Customs, and ECU Worldwide. “For the past two years, we have been working to improve our services here in Subic to attract more clients. We have the strategic location, manpower and infrastructure to sustain the market in Manila and the growing trade Central Luzon. With the completion of the CFS, SBITC adds more value to the services we offer,” said Mr. Locsin.

29 Sep 2015

ICTSI Subic Gets More Equipment

Subic Bay International Container Terminal Corp. (SBITC) recently received and commissioned three new reach stackers and 16 new Kalmar Ottawa terminal tractors. The additional capacity has increased the terminal tractor fleet to 23 units or 128 percent. The reach stacker fleet, meanwhile, increased by 100 percent. Each terminal tractor is equipped with a vehicle mounted terminal that communicates directly with the terminal operating system, Navis. This results in a state of the art network of signals that allow all equipment to handle containers with pinpoint accuracy. Roberto Locsin, SBITC General Manager, says:  “The new equipment…

01 May 2015

ICTSI Subic unit shop Reduces Port Users Time

International Container Terminal Services, Inc.’s (ICTSI) Subic Bay Freeport unit, Subic Bay International Terminal Corp. (SBITC), in partnership with the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and the Bureau of Customs (BOC), recently opened a one stop shop (OSS) to fast track documentary transactions in Subic Bay’s container terminals. Cabinet Secretary Rene Almendras led the launching of the OSS together with SBMA chairman and administrator Roberto Garcia and SBITC general manager Roberto Locsin. Located inside the New Container Terminal 1, the OSS is next to the administration offices of SBITC and several satellite offices of shipping lines. With the OSS, port users can expect shorter document and cargo processing times as SBITC, BOC and SBMA are housed in one location.

19 Feb 2015

Moving Ahead With the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund

“How can we have a 21st century economy with a 20th century infrastructure?” Vice President Joe Biden recently posed this question to an audience at the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) annual meeting in Houston, Texas. He went on to say, “the greatest economic power in the world needs the most dynamic port system in the world.” I happen to agree with this statement. We must find a better way to manage the funding needs of our marine transportation infrastructure. In fact, you will find many politicians, business leaders, economists, and transportation specialists that are quite outspoken on this matter. It seems everybody talks infrastructure, and how deteriorated our roads, rails, highways, bridges, and ports have become.

08 Aug 2003

South Korea Implements CSI

The U.S. Bureau of Customs and Border Protection issued a Press Release

02 Oct 2003

AAPA Study Examines Cruise Ports

To accommodate rapid growth in the North American passenger cruise industry, U.S. ports are facing potential expenditures of $150-300 million to meet existing Federal regulations for cruise facility design and space. That’s the conclusion of a study launched this year by the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA), with the results unveiled at AAPA’s annual convention in Curaçao. AAPA initiated the study to address cruise ports’ pressing concerns over elaborate, cumbersome, costly and duplicative Federal requirements. The association retained the services of Bermello, Ajamil & Partners, experts in facility design. to conduct the study and recommend solutions.

13 Nov 2003

Port Security Initiative Enters Phase Two

The Strategic Council on Security Technology announced the global rollout of Phase Two of the Smart and Secure Tradelanes (SST) initiative. In the last year, SST has become the largest cargo security program in operation, helping global shippers to automatically track the location and status of containers while creating a system to detect and report container tampering. The second phase of SST focuses on further expansion of the global network, extending operations, shipments, and integration into existing supply chain systems while incorporating new technologies such as sensor-equipped smart containers into global supply chain systems. Smart and Secure Tradelanes (SST) is an industry-funded supply chain security and efficiency initiative.

21 Nov 2003

Electronic Advance Manifest Information

The U.S. Bureau of Customs and Border Protection issued a Press Release stating that it will soon be promulgating its rules on presentation by carriers of electronic advance manifest information. The requirement will be similar to the current requirement that ocean carriers submit manifest information at least 24 hours prior to loading in a foreign port. The differences are that the new rules will require that all advance manifests be submitted electronically and the requirement will apply to all modes and for cargoes being imported or exported. For cargoes being exported by ship, the electronic manifest information will have to be submitted at least 24 hours prior to departure from the U.S. port where the cargo is laden. The requirement is to be phased in over the coming months.

03 Dec 2003

South Africa implements CSI

The U.S. Bureau of Customs and Border Protection issued a Press Release stating that the Container Security Initiative (CSI) has become operational in the port of Durban, South Africa. Durban becomes the 17th CSI port worldwide and the first in Africa. Source: HK Law

19 Dec 2003

DHS Issues RFI on Smart Containers

The DHS - Border and Transportation Security, United States Customs Service (USCS), Procurement Division of 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Room 1310 NP, Washington, DC, 20229, issued a Request for Information (RFI) regarding smart and secure containers. papers), not to exceed five (5) pages per project, on a technical or project activity addressing areas of interest described in this RFI. address. Electronic submissions are preferred. Please include in a cover letter the contact information and a synopsis stating the concept, anticipated results and potential payoff to container security. The cover letter is not included as part of the 5 page limit. SPECIAL NOTICE: This announcement will be open for sixty (60) days and closes on February 17, 2004.

18 Dec 2003

President Signs Homeland Security Presidential Directives

President Bush signed two Homeland Security Presidential Directives (HSPDs). HSPD-7 addresses critical infrastructure identification, prioritization, and protection. Damage the private sector's capability to ensure the orderly functioning of the economy and delivery of essential services is one of the primary threats with which the directive is concerned. HSPD-8 addresses national preparedness. While focusing on first responders at the state and local government level, it includes private sector resources in the effort to coordinate efforts to prevent, prepare for, respond to, and recover from terrorist attacks. These directives will…

24 Feb 2004

CBP Delays Enforcement of Change to “Shipper” Element

The U.S. Bureau of Customs and Border Protection (CBP) issued a Notice stating that is delaying indefinitely implementation of the change to the “shipper” element of the advance manifest filing requirement as provided for in its December 5, 2003 rulemaking under the Trade Act of 2002. The change was scheduled to come into effect on March 4, 2004 and would have changed the “shipper” element of the advance manifest filing required of carriers from “the shipper’s complete name and address, or identification number, from all bills of lading” (as provided for in the October 31, 2002 rulemaking establishing the 24-Hour Rule) to “the identity of the foreign vendor, supplier, manufacturer, or other similar party” (as provided for in the December 5, 2003 rulemaking).

04 Mar 2004

Advance Cargo Manifest: Delay for Bulkers

The U.S. Bureau of Customs and Border Protection (CBP) issued a revised set of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) relating to the requirement for carriers bringing cargo by ship to the United States to present in advance an electronic copy of the manifest. The new FAQ includes a discussion (on pages numbered 1 and 2) of the enforcement date. Previously, the enforcement date was March 4 (today). That is unchanged, except for bulk carriers, break bulk carriers, and passenger vessels. For this latter group, CBP is allowing a period of informed compliance for 30 days. On April 2, 2004, CBP will commence enforcement actions with regard to such carriers that fail to comply with the required advance electronic presentation of cargo information rule that was promulgated on December 5, 2003.

19 Mar 2004

Commercial Operational Advisory Committee to Meet

The Departmental Advisory Committee on Commercial Operations of the Bureau of Customs and Border Protection (COAC) will meet in Washington, DC on April 2. Items on the agenda include advance cargo information, C-TPAT, and the vehicle and cargo inspection system (VACIS). 69 Fed. Reg. 13061 (HK Law).

19 Mar 2004

Oversight Hearing on US-VISIT Program

The Subcommittee on Immigration, Border Security, and Claims of the House Committee on the Judiciary conducted an oversight hearing on the United States Visitor and Immigrant Status Indicator Technology (US-VISIT) program. This is the program, currently being phased in, that will process all non-citizens entering the United States, including crewmembers on foreign ships. Robert Jacksta, Executive Director of Border Security and Facilitation, Department of Homeland Security, discussed efforts of the Bureau of Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to secure U.S borders against terrorism. Robert Mocny, Deputy Director, US-VISIT Program, provided an overview of the program and its current status. Randolph C.

06 Apr 2004

Government Update: U.S. Manifest Presentation Requirements

By Dennis L. The United States, like all other nations, has required from its founding that manifests of imported cargo be filed with its Customs agency. Traditionally, the manifest was filed (or "presented") when the ship arrived in port. Official entry was not completed and cargo could not be unladed until the manifest was presented. This process was drastically reworked following the horrific terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. The U.S. Customs Service, since reorganized into the Bureau of Customs and Border Protection (CBP), demanded that the information be provided earlier and in greater detail. On October 31, 2002, Customs…

24 May 2004

Maritime Bills Introduced

Representative Ehlers (R-MI) introduced a bill (H.R. 4416) to establish the Great Lakes Protection and Restoration Committee. Representative Crane (R-IL) introduced a bill (H.R. 4418) to authorize appropriations for fiscal years 2005 and 2006 for the Bureau of Customs and Border Protection and the Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement of the Department of Homeland Security, for the Office of the United States Trade Representative, for the United States International Trade Commission, and for other purposes. Representative Obey (D-WI) introduced a bill (H.R. 4422) making appropriations for the Departments of Agriculture, Education, Health and Human Services, and Transportation for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2005, and for other purposes.

27 May 2004

Text Bills posted on Internet

The text of various bills recently introduced in the House of Representatives has now been posted on the Internet. H.R. 4397 would temporarily exempt scrapping of obsolete naval and Maritime Administration (MARAD) vessels from certain environmental laws. H.R. 4416 would establish the Great Lakes Protection and Restoration Committee. H.R. 4418 would authorize appropriations for fiscal years 2005 and 2006 for the Bureau of Customs and Border Protection and the Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement of the Department of Homeland Security, for the Office of the United States Trade Representative, for the United States International Trade Commission, and for other purposes. H.R.