Maersk Confirms Move To Pelepas
Lloyd's List Maritime Asia
In an unprecedented shake up of the South east Asian transhipment market, Maersk Sealand has confirmed it is shifting its hub from Singapore to Malaysia's Tanjung Pelepas having bought a 30% stake in the port.
The move from now till the end of this year will see Maersk Sealand putting some 2m teus in volume through PTP next year. Pelepas will become one of the largest ports on Maersk Sealand's global network with all its mainline vessels currently calling at Singapore, except West Australia and New Zealand services, calling at the Malaysian port. "The move to PTP represents a quantum leap for Maersk Sealand to master its own destiny and yet another step to remain in the forefront in the industry" said Flemming Ipsen, chief executive officer, Asia, Maersk Sealand. Maersk Sealand said coverage of Singapore would remain on selected vessels and would also be introducing a feeder shuttle service between Singapore and PTP with at least 11 dedicated connections weekly. "This is believed to be the biggest single shift in the port industry seen in South east Asia," PTP noted.