PTP records 30pc rise in container throughput for 2002
Business Times (M)
Port of Tanjung Pelepas (PTP), South-East Asia’s fastest growing transhipment hub, achieved a container throughput of 2.66 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) in 2002, surpassing its own estimate of 2.5 million TEUs.
The 2.66 million TEUs represented a 30 per cent increase from 2.05 million TEUs in 2001, PTP said in a statement yesterday.
The strong growth was the result of the port’s efforts in securing new markets despite volatile economic conditions. The shift of Evergreen Marine Corp to PTP in late August 2002 also helped boost growth significantly, it said.
About 95 percent of the throughput last year comprised transhipment containers and the balance of 5 per cent local exports and imports.
PTP said it recorded excellent productivity levels throughput the year with an average of 30-31 moves per hour per crane, which significantly improved vessel turnaround time.
PTP chief executive officer Mohd Sidik Shaik Osman said: “We ushered in the year 2002 with much uncertaintly in world markets but despite this, PTP achieved a strong 30 per cent growth performance.”
On targets for 2003, PTP is confident of achieving a further 30 percent year-on-year growth.
To handle increasing volumes, the port has embarked on the development of Phase 2 where by reclamation work for an additional eight berths and two berths are under way. The completion of the additional two berths will enable PTP to handle about 6 million TEUs annually by early 2004.