PTP sees 21% growth in TEUs

THE Port of Tanjung Pelepas (PTP) posted a 21.4% growth in throughput to 2.7 million TEUs (20-ft equivalent units) in the first six months of this year compared to corresponding period last year. 

PTP chief executive officer Harun Johari said by year-end, the figure was expected to exceed the 4.8 million TEUs achieved last year. 

“Our growth for the first six months this year was due to new services introduced and the increasing volume by the ports’ existing customers,” he said in a statement. 

He added that the growth could also be contributed by larger-capacity vessels calling at the port and healthy volumes generated by PTP’s free zone.  

PTP, located within the Iskandar Development Region (IDR), has a free zone within its terminal. 

The free zone currently is home to various international logistics and manufacturing companies. 

Harun foresees that PTP’s high productivity rate, large container handling capacity and provision of investment opportunities through the free zone would complement IDR’s plan to develop an integrated logistics and manufacturing hub. 

He said that the multimodal connectivity at PTP had also positioned PTP to be the international gateway for the IDR. 

“Potential investors are looking at setting up their operations within the IDR, and they will benefit from PTP and its free zone. 

“Our advanced logistics facilities offer efficient supply chain management for potential investors. 

“PTP has the capacity for future growth and further expansion in catering the needs of its clients and IDR development,” he added. 

Harun believes that IDR would generate more import-export activity to further spur PTP’s growth in the future. 

“Shipping lines calling at PTP too are now realising the opportunity available to tap into this growing Johor hinterland market,” he said. 

PTP earlier this year increased its container handling capacity when it opened up two additional berths. 

Harun said that the port had “unlimited” expansion capabilities and would ensure that there was sufficient capacity by developing its port infrastructure and facilities ahead of demand. 

He added that in anticipation of future growth, PTP would receive more cranes and other port equipment this year. 

“PTP will continue to be efficient and reliable operationally to position itself as the preferred port in the region,” he said. 

The Star Online, by Sharidan Ali