29 Feb 2004

PTP is Malaysia’s No.1

CargoSystems

Malaysia’s Port of Tanjung Pelepas (PTP) has solidified its position as Malaysia’s number one container terminal for the second year in a row.

In 2003, PTP had another record breaking year with an annual throughput of 3,487,320 TEU, representing an increase of 31% which surpassed the previous year’s growth pf 30% to 2.66m TEU.

Of the 3.5m TEU handled in 2003, 3.33m TEU were transhipment containers – a 32% rise from the previous year’s 2.54m TEU. Local cargo volumes also increased by 15% to 150,000 TEU from 130,000 TEU in 2002.

Gross crane productivity also improved from 2002 levels of 31 to 32.4 moves per hour – a 4.5% rise.

During 2003, a number of other significant events occurred at PTP, including a new monthly record of 332,314 TEU being set in October, the introduction of the Kalmar Smartrail system to PTP’s yard cranes which allows the cranes which allows the cranes to be steered automatically with the aid of the Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS), and the December trial launch of the PTP – Haadyai, Thailand container train service.

The new service train is operated by Pengangkutan Timur Pantai Landbridge (PLB), an independent private company which is licensed to operate freight trains from Singapore – Johor to Thailand, an the initial train was loaded with 40 TEU.

The service – which complies with CTPAT requirements – is intended to progressively extend to inland depots in the Thai cities of Surat Thani, Bangkok and Mataput. And by the end of the trial period, PLB hopes to begin regular weekly services out of PTP which will then increase in frequency to daily services.

According to PTP, “with an average travel time of only 36 hours from PTP to Haadyai, the new container train services will provide even more options for shippers and logistics companies operating out of PTP.