The work of dredging and reclamation done by the company for PTP was completed in late 1999, covering the entire phase 1 development area of the port.

This included a 12.6km of access channel from pilot boarding area to the port and a turning basin of 600 metre width, said PTP in a statement. The channel, which has a width of 250 metres, allows a two-way traffic for Super Post Panamax vessels to call at the port.

Among those who attended the handing over ceremony were Ballast Nedam director in Malaysia, Johan Pronk, and PTP's chief executive officer, Mohd Sidik Shaik Osman. Mr Pronk later presented Mohd Sidik a replica vessel signifying Ballast Nedam's appreciation of being part of the PTP project, the statement said.

It also also quoted Mr Pronk commending PTP for providing a highly efficient new terminal for main line operators.

PTP, which is Johor's second port, is strategically located at the south-west shoulder of Johor with a minimum 45 minutes of diversion time from the confluence of main international shipping lanes.

With depths of 15 metres at the wharf and access channel, phase one of PTP has been constructed to cater to super post Panamax vessels.

The statement said the first four of its six berths are currently operational with nine super post Panamax quay side cranes and three more being commissioned.

The berths are backed by one of the largest container yards in the region having storage capacity of 110,000 TEUs (20-ft equivalent units).