In a statement issued in Kuala Lumpur yesterday, PTP said the manual was formulated in two months and covers most aspects of port operations.

The PTP said the materials used to produce the manual are recyclable and consistent with the organization's beliefs in being environmentally friendly.

PTP's 60-page manual sets a clear direction for personnel to follow in all aspects of the port's administration and management, according to the statement.

It added that the manual establishes PTP's recognition for environment and its consciousness for the need of environmentally friendly operations.

This is the first of many in PTP's efforts, to promote the importance of having to care for the environment, said the statement.

PTP is confident that in the coming months, the manual will be a living document guiding the port's personnel towards uniformity in their quest for success.

In the process, the statement explained, the need for environmental consciousness will be reinforced.

In the practice of uniformity, teamwork among staff at PTP will be strengthened, said the statement. It added that the streamlining of efforts will make port's goal of becoming the region's premier transhipment hub even easier.

Well on schedule to begin commercial operations in January 2000, PTP's key advantages include its strategic location at the confluence of international shipping lines; natural harbour conditions; and its location in one of the most dynamic growth triangles in South-East Asia.

Further strategising on these key advantages, PTP is currently developing state-of-the-art facilities to ensure that the port is able to cater to the world's most sophisticated and largest of the Super Post Panamax vessels.

Driven by an information technology network system being developed, turn-around time of vessels, yard operations and ship planning will be efficiently worked out for the benefits of PTP's customers.

PTP's large landbank, of at least 400ha of leasable land, all within the port free zone area has also attracted the attention of large companies in the manufacturing, industrial and commercial sectors.

The statement says that companies in these sectors will enjoy a competitive edge on relocation to PTP, especially with lower costs of operation and infrastructure.

Other key facilities of Phase One of the port development include six berths totalling 2.16 km in length, the latest port equipment to ensure speed and efficiency, 1.2 million sq m of container yard area and an access road linking the port to the North-South Highway and the Second Link.

The statement said the guidelines in the manual profess the use of recyclable materials and promote the ideals of recycling by having the recycle logo places in all of its materials, from stationery to promotional premiums, as a reminder to the user to recycle.