The proximity of the second link in Tanjung Kupang to PTP stands to benefit shippers in the Jurong and Tuas industrial areas, said Mr Mohd Sidik Shaik Osman, PTP's chief executive officer, yesterday.

'In line with providing high efficiency and customer-oriented processes, PTP is moving forward towards the free flow of containers between countries,' he said.

He was speaking at a conference in Johor Baru organised by the Asian Strategy & Leadership Institute.

'Future success will be realised faster if ports in Johor can collaborate with other regional industrial areas and ports to draw on each other's strengths, moving the state and the region towards new heights,' he said.

He also said that PTP was designed to capture transhipment from the 'heavy' east-west trade lanes.

The trade growth was significant even during the economic crisis, which prompted PTP to speed up the completion of the port, he added.