The rival transhipment hub to Singapore handled 560,000 TEUs during the third quarter of this year from July to September, up from 541,000 TEUs in the second quarter.

 

'Handling volumes from January to September 2001 is at 1.48 million TEUs,' a PTP statement said.

 

PTP chief executive Mohd Sidik Shaik Osman told Shipping Times his port was optimistic of continued growth, despite the present climate.

 

'The present economic outlook is uncertain. Year-end targets are in this sense difficult to ascertain; however, we are confident of meeting our two million TEUs target for year 2001,' he said.

 

'Despite the present gloomy outlook, PTP's growth in volumes reflects strong user confidence. 'More importantly for year 2002, productivity gains and increased capacity at the port will be an added advantage to both current and future port users.'

 

Mr Sidik said PTP 'is increasing all measures to secure new users to the terminal', an indication the Johor port is not content with remaining predominantly a Maersk transhipment hub.

 

PTP achieved a consistent 28 gross moves per hour per crane during the third quarter - another productivity gain. Touted as South-east Asia's fastest growing port, PTP is undertaking a dramatic capacity expansion, with 10 additional quay cranes and 30 rubber-tyred gantry cranes (RTGs) on order for delivery early next year. It is extending its existing quayside by three quarters of a mile and introducing a new vessel traffic system to ensure smooth traffic flows in its channel.