NOL's CEO Flemming Jacobs visited the port at the beginning of January, accompanied by Ronald Widdows, senior vice-president for liner operations for NOL's container shipping arm, APL.

The talks come at a time when the PSA has announced new records in throughput and in vessel efficiency.

A statement from PTP also confirmed that discussions had taken place. The port is offering dedicated container berths - which Singapore does not offer - as well as lower rates and the advantage of a weaker exchange rate. The talks were likely to have focused on whether the new Malaysian port can offer sufficient feeder connectivity to satisfy NOL's requirements.

There is little doubt that a move to PTP would bring cost-savings to NOL, though PSA's well-known efficiency would be a strong factor in the cost calculation. Major PSA customer Maersk Line has also had discussions with PTP: its Munkebo Maersk had a trial call there last year, though it is not thought the company is planning regular calls at the port in the near future.

What is uncertain at the moment is whether these giant international carriers are seriously considering a move to PTP, or whether the publicised visits are actually a negotiating ploy on rates with the PSA, which has recently announced the extension of rebates to its customers.