In terms of year on year growth, total throughput rose by 31%, surpassing the 30% growth seen in 2002 (2.66 million TEU). A new monthly record was also set in October with throughput of 332,314 TEU.
Of the 3.5 million TEU handled in 2003, 3.33 million were transhipment containers, a 32% increase over the previous year's 2.54 million. Local cargo volumes were up 15% from 130,000 TEU in 2002 to 150,000 TEU in 2003.
3,148 container vessels called on the port, 26.6% more than the 2,486 in 2002. Crane productivity also improved by 4.5% from 31 moves-per-hour in 2002 to 32.4 m-p-h in 2003.
2003 also saw the introduction of the Kalmar Smartrail system to PTP's yard cranes, a satellite-guided system that automatically steers PTP yard cranes with the aid of the Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS). These improvements reduced vessel turnaround time.
PTP was awarded ISO 9001-2000 certification by Lloyd's.
“We are pleased to announce yet another year of excellent results and achievements by our staff who have worked very hard and diligently to bring PTP to new heights,” said Datuk Mohd Sidik Shaik Osman, CEO of PTP.

 

“We are particularly proud that despite the increased competition, PTP has reached a remarkable growth level of 31% to reach 3.5 million TEUs. To maintain PTP's position as a premier regional transhipment hub, we will continue to target aggressive growth especially with the expected completion of an additional 720 metres of wharf early this year.”

 

2003 also saw PTP Free Zone welcoming new customers such as Schenker Logistics, and BMW Group who will be relocating their Asian Regional Parts Distribution Centre from Singapore to the PTP Free Zone. Construction of the facility began in the 3rd quarter of last year and should be operational by the middle of this year.