PTP gets ready for the big boys
Fairplay - May 17, 2005
Tanjung Pelepas, Singapore’s nearby rival for container transshipment cargo, is flush with capacity after added two berths as part pf its Phase Two expansion. A total of eight berths give the nascent port, which began operating in 1999, capacity of 6M TEU a year.
CEO Mohd Sidik Shaik Osman exudes confidence that PTP is geared to cater to the most exacting demands of lines during boom time. Almost all its cargo – the facility topped 4M TEU during 2004 – is derived from Maersk and Evergreen Marine.
There is no sign of any other major line leaving Singapore’s PSA terminals for PTP, which is preparing to accommodate huge container ships.
“There is no other port in the region where 100% of the berths and cranes can cater to 8,000 – 9,000 TEU vessels,” Sidik tells Fairplay. So, it could be just a question, which will add six berths, has been designed for ships of even 12,000 TEU.
PTP stresses efficiency
PTP has an edge over rivals with its lower handling costs, but Sidik stresses that PTP regards efficiency as its main strength. In the present times of plenty, the sees the cost factor receding into the background.
“The shipping boom has resulted in lines not looking at quick cost gains, but rather overall efficiency gains and analyzing how the ports can cater for their growth,” he explains.
PTP’s other big edge is space for “unlimited” expansion, which enables the port to offer dedicated facilities. Sidik discloses that feeder connectivity has “grown tremendously” since Evergreen’s arrival in 2002, resulting in multiple connections to all major Southeast Asian destinations. As part of its efficiency drive, PTP has deployed Kalmar’s Smartrail system, officially handed over on 14 April.
This uses satellite technology for its automatic steering system and provides automatic container position verification. It can be connected to yard management systems and has increased productivity through higher gantry travel speed, reduced crane shifting time and faster container handling, Sidik discloses.
Hinterland cargo is growing along with transshipment throughput, albeit from a lower base. PTP has already captured one-quarter of the Johor market. Free-zone tenants such as BMW, Linfox, Logistics and Schenker Logistics have contributed to this growth.
Sidik expects the first phase of the free zone to be “fully occupied” in 2005. Its second phase is expected to begin in mid-2005.
He plays down talk of overseas acquisitions: “While we have had offers to invest in overseas terminals, we have yet to embark on any,” he says.
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Pelepas port container volume up 5pc in 1st quarter
The Malay Mail - April 12, 2005
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Berita Harian - April 11, 2005
PTP first port to handle over 1m TEUs in Q1
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1mil TEUs in three months
The Star - April 11, 2005
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