In the first three quarters of 2004, PTP handled 3.03 million TEUs, up 20 per cent from the 2.52 million TEUs it handled over the same period last year, according to a PTP statement.

Transhipment cargo - the bulk of PTP's throughput - saw a 20 per cent gain with 2.9 million TEUs handled during the first nine months, compared with 2.4 million TEUs handled in the same period last year.

PTP attributed the rising throughput figures to the continuing global economic expansion, the increasing market share of local cargo and the addition of new services calling at PTP.

Local cargo volumes handled at the port rose 16 per cent over the period to 122,654 TEUs, compared with the just over 100,000 TEUs handled last year. Total throughput in the third quarter of 2004 rose 11 per cent to 1.02 million TEUs.

The port has two primary customers, mainlines Maersk Sealand and Evergreen Marine Corp, both of which were formerly PSA Corporation customers.

Surging global trade also boosted Singapore's two container handlers, with PSA Corporation reporting a 15 per cent rise in its local throughput to 15.3 million TEUs for the first nine months this year, while its total overseas ventures reported a 25 per cent rise in throughput to 9.5 million TEUs.

Jurong Port, meanwhile, said it was also experiencing record throughput growth, with monthly volumes of about 76,000 TEUs, a near-trebling of volumes compared to the same period last year.

The strong growth was attributed to new services introduced by existing customers, and existing customers phasing in larger tonnage, along with new customers.

Jurong recently wooed United Arab Shipping Co from PSA Corp based on a service package more tailored to its needs.

In the port's latest newsletter, Jurong Port president Fong Yue Kwong said the port will 'continue with its niche marketing which has served to keep the port growing and relevant. It is our aspiration to provide the best services and to grow together with our customers.'