ATM steals from TMB

At present, container terminals at these ports are divided into completely separate berth operations, often managed by totally distinct stevedoring outfits employing a bewildering variety of loading and handling systems. As part of the new scheme, all these operations will be integrated with the aim of driving down costs by eliminating unnecessary functional duplication.

The Eurosal grouping (Sudamericana de Vapores, Hapag Lloyd, P&O Nedlloyd, CMA and Hamburg Sud) has diverted its 12-vessel weekly service to the Caribbean, Central America and Pacific South to the ATM terminal, representing annual box traffic of 24,000TEUs. Eurofeeder made a similar switch earlier this year. The loss of traffic is in part being influenced by ATM shareholder Dragados, whose many and varied maritime interests help ATM exert pressure on lines to abandon rival TMB.