"PTP is a major transshipment hub regionally. With this partnership, we will also be able to offer our customers' security and comfort in shipping goods to the U.S. and other markets," said port chief executive Mohamad Sidik Shaik. "Our participation will also enable PTP to be used as a hub for goods from other ports that do not have similar facilities."

 

Two of the main operators at Pelepas - Maersk Sealand and Evergreen Marine Corp. - have significant trade with the United States, both direct exports and transshipments.

 

According to JoC Week's annual listing of the world's top 50 container ports, Tanjung Pelepas ranked No. 25 with container volume of 2.05 million TEUs in 2001.

 

The southern port is also pressing the Malaysian government to participate in the Container Security Initiative, another U.S. Customs program that stations inspectors in selected foreign ports to pre-screen U.S.-bound containers.

 

Malaysia's Port Kelang, which serves the capital, Kuala Lumpur, is No. 12 among global box ports with annual volume of 3.76 million TEUs in 2001. Executive Chairman G. Gnanalingam said it is working with U.S. Customs on full implementation of CSI requirements before year-end.

 

Goods moved by participants in the C-TPAT program receive expedited processing when entering the United States. To join, they must sign an agreement committing to a self-assessment of supply chain security, and develop a security program in accordance with C-TPAT guidelines.