According to Encik Mohd Sidik Shaik Osman, Executive Director of Pelabuhan Tanjung Pelepas Sdn Bhd, (PTP), located southwestern of Johor, The Port of Tanjung Pelepas (PTP) is poised to emerge as a major regional transhipment hub in ASEAN. Besides, he will accomplish the government's determination for this privatisation project.

He added that the development of Johor Port has reached to its maximum as the super mega Panama Cargo can hardly enter the Strait of Johor. And in order to enter the Pasir Gudang Port, it needs to pass through the Singapore's territory. This has created major problems.

Sidik also added that the advantages of PTP include competitive rates, a strategic location, proximity to international waters and linkages to a vast and bustling hinterland which can fulfil the needs of 21st century in the maritime industry. Besides due to its strategic location ie on the Southern of the Straits Of Malacca, it will be easier to enter the PTP than Singapore's Port.

He added that PTP provides an alternative to ships and it does not compete directly with the Johor Port. As PTP will handle only the transhipment of cargo.

Scheduled to begin commercial operations in January, the port also offers ideal harbour conditions in the form of a sheltered bay with naturally deep waters which allow for a fast turnaround time even for very large ships, he said.

Compared with conventional berths which ranges around 320m long, there will be six berths to be developed under Phase One would measure 360 metres each,thus providing a linear wharf spanning 2.16 km in total.

On January 200, 2 berths will be operational. And another 2 berths will take place in the Mid of January 2000. The final 2 berths are expected to be operational by Year 2001.

To position ourselves, we must have something significant to offer and that accounts for the size of the port and land encompassing 800 hectares (1,935 acres) just for phase one. The surrounding are will have 2000 hectares of vacant land. And within the 10km radius from the port, there is still 4000 hectares of land available.

Sidik mentioned that in the long term, he hopes to compete with Singapore Port with the low cost of operation and high quality of service.

"With fair competition within the neighbouring countries, we are able to enjoy regional cargo transhipment rapidly. This will be beneficial to both parties," added Sidik.

He also indicated that a high-tech port will be more competitive than a low tech port. But if both ports has the same technology, then efficiency will become the main factor.

Sidik believed PTP is able to draw International cargo teams as it provides a more competitive cost to them, and it can also give special fee to those long term users.

"With the Second Link connecting with Malaysia and Singapore, PTP will have a good future by then," said Sidik.

"Johor is a success story because it is near to Singapore and it learns from Singapore", added Sidik.