The winning edge: Public Sector - Port of Tanjung Pelepas
New Straits Times
The Port of Tanjung Pelepas is the latest seaport in Malaysia and the second for the state of Johor. The project was driven by the government’s concern over a 40% leakage of cargo to Singapore.
Phase One began operations in October 1999 and was officially launched last year. It is now fully operational with six linear berth, a large container yard, a 400-acre Distribution Park with a Free Zone and a Port Administration complex. The current commitment of 2.5 million TEUs is expected to increase to the full annual handling capacity of five million TEUs within the next three years, prompting the port to start preparing for its expansion into the second phase.
The port possesses several criteria needed by a leading international shipping gateway, with an industrial hinterland and the possibility of attracting cargoes from neighbouring countries. It has already achieved international recognition and was recently conferred the Lloyds Maritime Asia Awards. According to a Fiabci evaluator, the Port of Tanjung Pelepas represent a success story during a recession as it has been turned into a profitable venture within a short time. The port’s success can be attributed to its positioning as a transshipment hub that benefits from being located at the confluence of the world’s busiest international shipping lanes. The fact that the port is already giving Singapore a run for its money is a tribute to its designers and planers.