In an interview with Business Times in Singapore, he brushed aside the notion that NOL's move could trigger an exodus from the Singapore port.

"It was a commercial decision to berth our WAX service at PTP based on the opportunity to position equipment for local and other markets more economically and to take advantage of a more direct route," Jacobs said.

"PTP is well-constructed with ample space and good layout, and with excellent equipment. We expect it to be efficient and cost-effective."

Other major carriers as well as terminal operators have also been looking at PTP, he said.
"Whoever gets into Phase 1 of the Pelepas development will, of course, take business away from Singapore, particularly transhipment volume," added Jacobs.

BT reported that the move surprised many in the local shipping community and raised the question of whether other shipping lines currently using Singapore would take NOL's cue and move to PTP.

BT said some Singapore officials were among those taken aback by NOL's decision.
APL, which signed up to berth its weekly West Asia Express at PTP, is the third big operator snared by the Johor port after Maersk-Sealand and Mitsui OSK Line.

When asked if the decision by NOL was made because it was run mainly by foreigners, Jacobs said: "It is the responsibility of any management to seek to improve shareholder value. This includes cost efficiencies of benefit to its customers as well."