In terms of year on year growth, 2003 saw total throughput rise by 31% surpassing the growth seen in 2002 (2.66 million TEUs) of 30%. A new monthly record was also set in the month of October which recorded a throughput of 332,314 TEUs.

Of the 3.5 million TEUs is handled in 2003, 3.33 million TEUs were transhipment containers, a 32% rise from the previous year’s 2.54 million TEUs.

Local cargo volumes have also steadily increased 15% from 130,000 TEUs last year. Container vessel calls to the port saw a dramatic rise of 26.6% from 2486 calls in 2002 to 3148 calls in 2003.

Gross crane productivity has also improved from 2002 levels of 31 mph (moves per hour) to 32.4 mph, a 4.5% rise. 2003 also saw the introduction of the Kalmar Smartrail system to PTP’s yard cranes.

The system which is satellite guided allows PTP yard cranes to be steered automatically with the aid of the Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS). These improvements have helped PTP to further reduce vessel turnaround and in turn provide even better levels of service to customers.