The second phase of Port of Tanjung Pelepas' (PTP) development programme is progressing on schedule, with the first four rows of new container yards expected to be completed by middle of this month. 

The new container yards will provide improved loading capacity and stacking of loaded containers, Johor-It added that all the rows of the three new yard blocks were due to be completed in August, boosting yard capacity by 40% up to 154,000 TEUs (20-foot equivalent units) at any one time. 

Support facility construction is also on schedule, and at the end of this month, a new substation will provide power for the latest generation 82-tonne super post panamax gantry cranes. 

PTP said the cranes would be operational in the fourth quarter of this year, and capable of handling 40-foot container twin lifts. 

Construction of the basic infrastructure for Free Zone Distribution Park B has begun, and this includes roadworks, drainage, utilities and power substations. Completion is scheduled within the next 13 months. 
Phase two began in 2003 with the reclamation of land for an additional eight berths offering a water frontage of 2.88 kilometres. 

The first two berths were completed in July 2004, providing a significant upgrade from the wharf structures in phase one. 
These berths also provide unique design features geared towards handling the megavessel of the future, which includes the ability to accommodate future gantry cranes that will have a rail spacing of 45 metres, an increase of 50% on the maximum of 30.5 metres used by current super post panamax cranes. 

“We are very pleased with the progress of our second phase of development. As a forward-looking port, we are always planning ahead to be at the forefront of container terminal technology, and offer shipping lines the capacity and commitment to cater to their future needs,” a PTP spokesperson said.