The move represents the culmination of PTP-APL-NOL talks since the beginning of the year. Following the start-up to regular calls to Malaysia's latest deep-sea port in Johor, opposite Singapore, APL-NOL will, in the words of port officials, be "evaluating further service calls at PTP".

APL is a member of the NOL Group of companies, and is one of the largest container shipping lines in the world. PTP spokesman Brian Paul said in a press statement that APL-NOL's fixed weekly call to the port would commence in mid-June as part of its West Asia Express (WAX) service, serving Asia to and from the Middle East.

He added that four 3500-TEU-capacity vessels are deployed on the WAX service and will call at PTP in rotation. Other ports in WAX include Kaoshiung, Hong Kong and Colombo.

"Calling at PTP will enhance APL's service to customers in Johor seeking fast transit times to these areas in particular."

Earlier, PTP signed up mainline operator, Maersk SeaLand, with its five weekly calls, including two calls to the US and the Far East/Mediterranean