Record year for Tanjung Pelepas
Container Management
The Malaysian Port of Tanjung Pelepas (PTP) set a new throughput record in 2004, handling 4,020,421 TEU – an increase of 15.2% on the 2003 figure of 3,487,320 TEU.
Vessel calls rose by 1.3% with 3193 vessels calling at the port in 2004 compared to 3148 in 2003. PTP has also recorded average mainline productivity figures of 34.62 gross move per hour last year, and currently holds the world gross berth productivity record of 340 gross berth moves per hour which was set in May 2004 on the vessel AP Moller. More than 4,000 containers were shifted in less than 13 hours with peak production hitting 480 moves per hour.
Last year also saw the completion of the first two berths of PTP’s second phase development programme. These new berths, which have a water depth alongside the quays of 19 metres, are designed to accommodate future generation container vessels up to 250,000 tonnes displacement. PTP is also expanding its container yard capacity, and new facilities under construction and due for completion in mid-2005, will add an additional 40% to current yard capacity, increasing the storage capacity from 110,000 TEU to 154,000 TEU.
Three new super-post-panamax cranes are scheduled for delivery in the fourth quarter 2005. The new cranes, which will be capable of twinlifting of 40 ft containers, will be the largest in the region, and will bring the port’s quayside handling portfolio up to 27 in total. Orders were also placed last year for RTG yard cranes which will bring the total number up to 72 units.
Last year also recorded developments in the PTP Free Zone, including the start of operations for new tenants such as BMW Asia Pacific Spare Parts Distribution Hub. Negotiations are underway with a number of interested parties and PTP expects the Phase A distripark of the PTP Free Zone to be fully occupied in 2005. Marketing for Phase B also commenced in 2004.