Suzuki had said yesterday in the Containerisation International, an online daily, that: “After Maersk moved most of its services from Singapore to PTP, I think it got too big too fast. I’m afraid they are not capable and experienced enough to handle such big volumes.”

MOL which targeted exports to Japan probably viewed that the Singapore market would be easier to tap, but with the fast growing hinterland and local exports at PTP, the early players at PTP would be well positioned to capture the new and existing markets that it has to offer on long-term basis, said PTP in a statement today.

PTP said that its terminal jointly operated with Maersk Sealand via a terminal management agreement has excellent operating standards with sufficient equipment ratios and well-trained highly motivated staff.

The port said: “To ensure that service failures were brought to zero during and after the transition period, the port made moves to further increase its equipment ratios, upgrade operational systems and implement new standard operating procedures to increase productivity.”