PTP hosts maiden call of Hapag-Lloyd's Damietta Express
New Straits Times
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Port of Tanjung Pelepas (PTP), a joint venture between MMC Group and APM Terminals, welcomed the maiden call of Hapag-Lloyd’s Damietta Express on 27 February 2025.
During its port call, Damietta Express was successfully refuelled with Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) via Simultaneous Operations (SIMOPS) bunkering – marking the second such operation at PTP.
The first SIMOPS LNG bunkering was completed on Bangkok Express, a sister vessel and LNG dual-fuel container ship of Hapag-Lloyd.
KUALA LUMPUR: The Port of Tanjung Pelepas (PTP) has received the Damietta Express, a newly built vessel from Hapag-Lloyd AG, marking its first call at this bustling port.
In a statement, PTP chairman Tan Sri Che Khalib Mohamad Noh said the vessel is part of Hapag-Lloyd's latest Hamburg-Express-class fleet and a key carrier within the newly launched Gemini Cooperation network.
"This milestone goes beyond receiving a new vessel at our terminal. It signifies the beginning of a strong and promising collaboration with Hapag-Lloyd, now among our valued customers at this leading transshipment hub in the region," Che Khalib said.
Hapag-Lloyd senior managing director of Region Asia Hans Schäfer described the event as a significant development after last month's official launch of the Gemini Cooperation network.
He said the NE1 Service, a key maritime route, is one of the backbones of the 57 services in the Gemini Cooperation network, highlighting the firm's commitment to optimising global shipping routes.
"Our goal is to achieve industry-leading reliability of over 90 per cent once the network is fully phased-in. The success of Gemini Cooperation depends on more than ships and schedules.
"It is also about good and strong collaborations we have with our ports and terminals," he said.
During its port call, Damietta Express was refuelled with liquefied natural gas (LNG) via simultaneous operations (Simops) bunkering, marking the second instance of such an operation at PTP.
The first Simops LNG bunkering was completed on Bangkok Express, a sister vessel and LNG dual-fuel container ship of Hapag-Lloyd.
This milestone is particularly significant for PTP, as it is Malaysia's first terminal to conduct Simops LNG bunkering, integrating refuelling seamlessly with cargo handling.
Damietta Express is among Hapag-Lloyd's fleet of dual-fuel container ships, designed to run on future ready alternatives. These vessels are expected to reduce emissions by 20 to 25 per cent, underscoring Hapag-Lloyd's commitment to sustainable shipping.