PTP hits 1 million TED mark

In a period of 571 days since beginning operations on October 10. 1999. the Port of Tanjung Pelepas (PTP) has handled one million TEU.

The one millionth TEU was handled on board the vessel Kmfd Maersk on May 4, 2001 at 1530 hrs. The Knud Maerskwlth a length of 318 metres and gross registered tonnage of 81,488 metric tonnes, is deployed on the AE2 eastbound Asia - Europe service.

The achievement has marked the entry of PTP as one of the world's fastest growing ports In the world. To commemorate the occasion, a ceremony was held at the wharf side with PTP. chairman Dato' Mohd TaufikAbdullah, management and staff'of PTP and over 100 customer representatives from mainlines, feeders, distribution and logistics companies and government representatives.

Dato' Mohd Taufik Abdullah began the function with a welcoming address where he.said: The fast growth In a short period of time Is unprecedented. We express our sincere thanks to all our customers for helping us achieve our firs! million TEU. The achievement has also spurred our team to achieve new levels of excellence.

Our goal Is now toexceed shipping line expectations of productivity. With new equipment and state-of-the-art systems, we are working towards re-settlng the world standard of crane and vessel productivity levels.

On challenges that were faced by PTP, Dato' Taufik added: 'We have also overcome many of our early challenges after the surge of volumes In last quarter'of 2000. We have an excellent team comprising a highly motivated. experienced and dynamic woi'kforce which has taken us this far In a short period. Our next area of focus will be to Increase capacity and attract more main lines handling transshipment cargo. Along with our Phase Two expansion. PTP will soon be the largest port In the country both In terms of size lind volume and will be a leading trensshlpment centre for Southeast Asia. We are also confident of reaching our target of 2 million TEU in 2001.

During the welcoming address the one millionth TEU was loaded onto the vessel from a PTP truck. The 40-foot container was decorated with ribbons and a banner Inscribed with the words 'One Millionth TEU'. The ribbon-cutting by Dato' Taufik commemorated the beginning of the loading of the historic container.

PTP has surged ahead volume growth since securing a strategic partnership with Maersk Sealand In August 2000. Other lines using the facility currently Include MCC Transport, ,Bengal Tiger Lines, Klmtrans, Orient Express Line, Q