MALAYSIA | Port & Shipping News

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Malaysia and Brunei to sign pact on maritime issues after 12-year deadlock
Saturday March 14, 2009

PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia and Brunei have achieved a breakthrough in solving their land and maritime border dispute .

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi will be going to Bandar Seri Begawan in Brunei to sign the Exchange of Letters on this accord with the Sultan of Brunei Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah on Monday.

Describing the event as a milestone in bilateral relations, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim said a joint technical committee would follow up on the details including survey work.

“Brunei has agreed to do joint venture exploration in the commercial maritime area involving both nations,” he said at a press conference here yesterday.

The move to resolve the boundary issues started in 1994 but negotiations only began in 1997 but were stalled.

Both countries resumed negotiations from May 2003 until last August.

Dr Rais said more than 30 rounds of talks were held before both countries agreed to a package of solutions, including collaboration in the exploration of hydrocarbon resources and the demarcation of land boundaries.

The move will also enable both countries to embark on new developments and impose maritime rules and regulations in their respective zones.

Dr Rais said that the leaders would provide more details on Monday.

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Hi-tech gadgets for straits’ security
Saturday March 21, 2009

PORT KLANG: Three laser cameras and two radio direction finders have been installed in the Straits of Malacca to enhance security in one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes.

The equipment, valued at RM13.8mil, was given by the Japanese Government to enhan-ce the Malaysia Maritime Enforcement Agency’s capacity for maritime security in the straits and Malaysian territorial waters.

The cameras are installed at Kemarong, Pulau Angsa and Bukit Jugra for day and night sea surveillance work.

The radio direction finders, which cover VHF/UHF digital radio bands to acquire the direction and place of rescue signals and illegal radio transmissions, are placed in Pulau Undan and Tanjung Piai.

The handing-over ceremony was held at the Klang Area Control Centre here yesterday, with the enforcement agency’s deputy director-general (operations) Rear Admiral Maritime Datuk Noor Aziz Yunan representing the Government, while Minister of the Embassy of Japan in Malaysia, Takashi Hoshiyama, represented Japan.

In his speech, Admiral Noor Aziz said the Government had developed the Malaysian Sea Surveillance System in 1996 to provide radar surveillance of the straits.

The system comprises nine remote sensor sites situated along the west cost of the peninsular.

The latest equipment will also enhance smooth flow of sea traffic along the 900km channel, which is the gateway to about 70,000 ships per year, he said.

Hoshiyama said the Straits of Malacca was one of the most important shipping lanes in the world and some 14,000 Japanese vessels use it each year.

Because of this importance, the straits was prone to piracy, and therefore, safety and security was a high priority not only to Malaysia but also to international users like Japan, he said.

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Japan grants RM29.9mil to M’sia for maritime security
Published: Monday March 30, 2009 MYT 2:00:00 PM

PUTRAJAYA: Japan has extended its grant aid of 992mil yen (RM29.9mil) to Malaysia for maritime security enhancement for the overall sea surveillance in the Strait of Malacca and the Malaysian territorial waters.

Japan's Ambassador to Malaysia, Masahiko Horie said some 14,000 Japanese vessels rely on the strait each year and 80 percent of Japan's import of the oil shipped from the Middle East pass the strait.

"Safety and security in the strait is a high priority not only to Malaysia but also for international users like Japan," he said in his remarks at the signing ceremony and exchanging of notes between the governments of Malaysia and Japan relating to Japan's Grant Aid, here Monday.

Masahiko said Malaysian government efforts together with concerted efforts by the Singapore and Indonesian governments have successfully reduced the number of incidents in the straits.

However, he added further cooperation would be required in view of the current economic downturn, which may affect security in the waters.

Earlier, Masahiko represented Japan for the signing ceremony while Malaysia was represented by Ministry of Foreign Affairs SecretaryGeneral Tan Sri Rastam Mohd Isa.

Meanwhile, Rastam said the grant aid would also help to boost the Royal Malaysian Customs' capability to conduct regular and sustained sea patrols in Malaysian waters as well as to carry out special sea operations in order to curb smuggling and illegal activities at sea.

He said, from the total amount of the grant aid, some 714 mil yen (RM21.8mil) would be allocated to the Royal Malaysian Customs.

While another 278mil yen (RM8.1mil) was for the Royal Malaysian Police.

Last year Japan approved its first grant aid of 473mil yen (RM14.6mil) for the project. - Bernama

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It's now the Shipping Association of Malaysia
By Presenna Nambiar
Published: 2009/06/22

THE International Shipowners Association has rebranded itself into Shipping Association of Malaysia (SAM) in a move to allow local players in the logistics industry to become members.

The rebranded version of the association was approved by the Registrar of Societies on May 14.

"It is the objective of the association to eventually unite all organisations involved in the maritime sector under a single association, rendering it a much stronger and unified voice," SAM chairman Ooi Lean Hin said.

He said rather than diminishing foreign shipowners' voice, the association will have a stronger voice with more members of the logistics industry under its umbrella. Currently, its members are foreign shipowners.

SAM expects to double its membership with the rebranding and is expected to attract new members from shipping agencies, domestic carriers, box operators and barge operators.

The broader and enlarged membership is expected to allow it to organise initiatives in the development and the promotion of the maritime industry in Malaysia, which includes the development of human resource requirements in the industry.

Ooi said SAM expects its current 25 members, who are shipowners, to carry 2.7 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) this year.

"The first five months has seen a decline of 20 per cent and we expect the same number for the full year," Ooi told reporters in Selangor last Wednesday.

Total throughput forecast for 2009 is 3.4 million TEUs.

The decline in import and export activities, coupled with overcapacity in the container ship segment has led to some 533 ships idling as at early June. This represents a 10 per cent excess in world capacity at 1.3 million TEUs.

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Port Klang poised to be London Metal Exchange hub
Monday June 22, 2009
By CHOI TUCK WO

Accreditation by London Metal Exchange a big boost for port

LONDON: Port Klang is poised to become Asia’s leading distribution hub for the London Metal Exchange (LME) following its accreditation as the exchange’s Good Delivery Point.

The move will further enhance Malaysia’s image as a major regional logistics centre for LME trade, according to Port Klang Free Zone general manager Chia Kon Leong.

He said Port Klang’s listing was fast-tracked as it had always been LME-ready with its excellent port infrastructure, strong logistics support and sound operational systems.

Chia said the port was strategically located to capitalise on the burgeoning LME trade from producing countries like Australia and Europe to the vast consuming markets of South East Asia and China/Far East.

“We reckoned that Port Klang is targeting to receive 150,000 to 200,000 tonnes of metals within the next six months,” he said.

Chia had earlier witnessed the presentation of the Letter of Accreditation from the exchange’s CEO Martin Abbott to Transport Minister Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat at the LME boardroom in London on Friday.

Established for over 130 years, the LME is the world’s premier non-ferrous metals market, offering futures and options contracts for aluminium and aluminium alloy, copper, nickel, tin, zinc, lead and plastics.

With a turnover in excess of US$3 trillion per annum, the LME also contributes to the UK’s invincible earnings to the tune of more than £250mil in overseas earnings each year.

Port Klang’s listing as a Good Delivery Point was approved by the LME on May 8, thereby allowing the port to receive LME-traded metals since June 10.

The accreditation is of immense significance to Malaysia as there are now only two other approved listed delivery locations in South East Asia, namely Pasir Gudang in Johor and Singapore.

LME delivery points are mainly in major ports around the world, which must meet strict criteria before they are approved for the handling of metals and plastics traded through the exchange.

Chia said Port Klang was strategically located at the crossroads of the world’s busiest shipping lane as well as being the world’s 15th busiest container port and one of Asia’s largest multi-purpose ports.

He said the port was centrally located in South East Asia, close to the huge consumer market in China which had no delivery points despite the enormous volumes of LME metals being shipped there.

“We’re close to consuming areas but away from major producers like those in Australia,” he said, citing BHP Billiton as one of the world’s largest mining companies.

Chia also said Port Klang was unique in a sense as within its free zone, there were companies which could consume such metals.

He said one firm, for instance, could actually get its copper supply from within the free zone, unlike other delivery points which were purely distribution areas.

He added that the listing had enhanced Port Klang’s resilience in facing the recessionary environment as metals needed to be stored due to lower consumption.

“We provide LME traders, warehouse companies and other users with highly competitive rates backed by cost-effective and efficient operations,” he added.

Ong said Port Klang was offering not just one port terminal but two and 405 ha of (Port Klang) free zone as a delivery location.

“And that free zone certainly has vast potentials that will suit the LME’s business purposes,” he noted.

Abbott said the LME appreciated the fact that Malaysia operated a fiscal regime that was encouraging to the international business community.

“With regards to Asia in general, as probably the biggest single growth area for the LME in the next 10 to 20 years, we’re very happy to have Malaysia and Port Klang as our strategic partners in our long-term business growth,” he added.

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Bintulu Port Authority HQ, Sarawak
From http://www.bpa.gov.my/eindex.asp

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Facilities at KK sub base undergo rigorous testing
Tuesday June 23, 2009

KOTA KINABALU: All the facilities at the country’s second submarine base here are being rigorously tested before the base starts operations with the soon-to-arrive Scorpene submarines.

“I have ordered a second team to do a second check on all the various technical components within the submarine base to ensure that there will be no problems when the Scorpenes arrive,” Works Minister Datuk Shaziman Abu Mansor told reporters after a working visit to the RM420mil base at the Sepanggar naval base here.

“We have reached a very critical stage and we are now carrying out testing and commissioning work.”

Shaziman said the submarine base was 97% completed and the Public Works Department (PWD) expects to hand it over to the Defence Ministry by late August.

The fast-track construction of the base involved building an administration block, an eco-friendly pontoon jetty (floating jetty), Syncrolift system at the ship lift jetty, as well as a workshop hangar and bunker among other related infrastructure at the 80.9ha, he said.

Shaziman said that the project was carried out by a 70% Malaysian workforce with only foreign experts involved in the initial planning stage before the PWD and contractors worked together to put up the facility.

“This shows that with the right wages, more Malaysians are ready to take up jobs that they usually avoid,” he said, adding that the national project was widely watched by the international community.

Shaziman also disclosed that he had met with Sabah PWD officers who were seeking RM620mil to carry out rehabilitation work on 130 road stretches along hillslopes under the 10th Malaysia Plan.

“Due to heavy rainfall, some state roads on hilly areas like the Crocker Range face landslip problems so they need to be rehabilitated,” he said, adding that he had asked that a consultant be appointed to study the recurring problems.

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Muhyiddin Wants More Focus Given To Maritime Technology
June 23, 2009 13:58 PM

KUALA LUMPUR, June 23 (Bernama) -- More attention should be given to the role of technology in order to sustain the efforts towards combating security threats in the Strait of Melaka, Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said.

"While we have been clear and unequivocal in our objections to the physical presence of foreign forces patrolling the strait, we welcome the transfer of technology and capacity building to enhance safety and security of the strait," he said in his keynote address at the 6th MIMA Conference on the Strait of Malacca, themed "Charting the Future", here Tuesday.

He said that the Eye-in-the-Sky aerial surveillance had succeeded in reducing piracy cases in the Strait of Melaka, with only two cases reported last year compared to 12 in 2005.

Only one case has been reported so far this year, he said.

He said technology was crucial in helping Malaysia and the littoral states to meet challenges in the strait such as the burgeoning traffic volume.

"This is critical given that vessels traversing the strait were expected to increase to 120,000 by the year 2015 compared to 75,000 last year.

"I would be very interested to see how technology-based projects such as the Marine Electronic Highway can contribute to reducing navigational risks," he said.

He noted that the maritime and aerial surveillance technology was advancing at a rapid pace and might soon be available at a fraction of the cost.

"Perhaps this is an opportune time for us to explore the use of technologies for surveillance such as long distance day and night cameras, unmanned aerial vehicles and satellite imaging," he added.

The Deputy Prime Minister also said that users of the strait comprising flag states, ship owners, masters and crew members had a duty to abide by the international and domestic laws aimed at preventing vessel-based pollution.

He said the regulations, in the form of international conventions and protocols, should be considered by the littoral states and users of the strait in the efforts to ensure safety of navigation and environmental protection in the Strait of Malacca.

"No doubt we have come a long way and achieved substantial progress but there is still a need to forge unanimity among all concerned including among the littoral States on how best to fulfil responsibilities regarding safety and security of navigation and protection of the environment in the strait," he added.

Muhyiddin added that Malaysia would examine the applicability of new conventions and committed to implementing the ones which had been ratified and also considered ratifications of other conventions.

-- BERNAMA

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PTP bucks shipping downtrend
June 14 2009

KUALA LUMPUR, June 14 – Whilst most ports in the region are expecting to see a drop in their throughput volume this year, Malaysia’s leading container terminal, the Port of Tanjung Pelepas (PTP), in Johor, is expecting quite the opposite.

PTP is currently ranked among the top 20 busiest container terminals in the world. Despite the current gloomy global economy, PTP, which successfully inked an agreement recently with French liner CMA CGM (CMA) recently, expects to handle this year 6.1 million TEUs, up 9 per cent from the 5.6 million TEUs in 2008.

Under the terms of the agreement, PTP will provide container terminal services to CMA to handle some of its regional transshipment cargo. In fact, prior to the signing of the agreement, CMA’s vessels had already started calling PTP as a result of the “Vessel Sharing Agreement” (VSA) partnership between it and Danish liner, Maersk Line.

When asked by BERNAMA about PTP luring CMA from Port Klang’s Westport, PTP chairman Datuk Mohd Sidik Shaik Osman said: “Due to strategic reasons, CMA decided to have two hubs in this region, which effectively means it would use both Westport and PTP.”

For now, he explained, the joint services under CMA and Maersk’s VSA would contribute to approximately half a million TEUs from PTP’s total annual throughput.

“Naturally, we expect to see an increase in volume from these services as the economy recovers and world trade picks up again.

“We have sufficient terminal capacity and equipment to handle CMA vessels here at PTP, now and in the future. With our current terminal handling capacity of eight million TEUs, and the plan to increase this to 12 million TEUs within the next five years, not only can we accommodate the new volumes of CMA but also that of other shipping lines”, he added.

When asked for an opinion on PTP’s move, a shipping analyst said that the agreement to provide container terminal services to CMA, was timely and a step in the right direction for PTP.

Another analyst said: “To support its transshipment operations at PTP, CMA’s regional feeders will now need to call at the port.

“This is seen as a positive development for PTP’s feeder connectivity. Operators expected to now call at PTP would further enhance its existing feeder operator network.”

Sidik elaborated that CMA’s presence in PTP would not only further improve its connectivity to other ports within the South East Asian region, but also major ports worldwide.

“The resulting enhanced connectivity of the port would contribute positively to our future annual throughput volumes”, he said.

As PTP is the main gateway for Iskandar Malaysia shippers, Sidik said the improved global connectivity would also further improve the attractiveness of the corridor as an investment destination.

“Local shippers, especially those Johor-based, now have new opportunities and more options to ship their cargo through the port”, he said. – Bernama

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M’SIA’S FIRST SUB BASE READY IN JULY
23rd June, 2009

KOTA KINABALU: Malaysia’s first submarine base in Sepanggar Bay near here is now 97 per cent ready and is expected to be fully completed by July 31.

The RM420 million base, built under the Ninth Malaysia Plan, will be handed over the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMV) by end of August.

“We are now in the final stage of testing and commissioning, which is the most important stage,” Works Minister Datuk Shaziman Abu Mansor told reporters after visiting the base yesterday.

He said the project which started on February 27 in 2007, showcased local workers’ capability to carry out major projects.

“During peak period, the number of workers could reach between 900 and 1,000 people. This goes to show that Malaysians are capable of carrying out skills-intensive projects,” he said.

Some 70 per cent of the workers are Malaysians.

He added that the submarine base, sited on a 128ha area, will house the RMN’s two Scorpene-class submarines.

Among facilities at the base are a housing complex, office blocks, shooting range and an 18-metre floating platform.

Shaziman said the 18-metre long floating platform which is environmentally friendly, is one of the few found in the world today.

Meanwhile, Shaziman said, Sabah would need about RM630 million to repair roads on hill slopes.

Shaziman said he was told of the figure at a briefing by the Public Works Department during a discussion on 10th Malaysia Plan (10MP) projects in Sabah. He said apart from giving priority to repairing and strengthening slopes, his ministry was also looking at road development as well as places with high economic impact like agriculture, tourism and industrial areas.

He also said they had discussed the need for Sabah to engage consultants to find out what would be the best way to implement road development projects in the state.

“We are spending that amount of money to maintain slopes and so on…we should think whether this is the right way to build roads in Sabah,” he added.

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Penang Port Commission submits 3 proposals
By Presenna Nambiar
Published: 2009/06/26

THE Ministry of Transport received three proposals from the Penang Port Commission (PPC) yesterday, one of which includes details of a turnaround plan for Penang Port.

PPC has also given a proposal to have water taxies in Penang to complement current ferry operations and for the ferry operations to be handed over to the regulator to operate.

Transport Minister Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat told reporters that he would go through the proposals in detail to study the viability of the proposals. This will include discussions with Penang Port Sdn Bhd (PPSB).

The ferry operations are currently handled by PPSB, a subsidiary of Ministry of Finance. PPSB also operates Penang Port.
In 1994, PPSB signed a 30-year concession agreement with PPC to operate the ferry service and Penang Port.

"I will do the needful and we are going to work with the Northern Corridor Implementation Authority to make it work. Hopefully it can be concluded by the next quarter," he said.

There have been previous proposals to turnaround Penang Port, including Konsortium Logistik's bid to take it private. However, Ong indicated that he is only considering the PPC suggestions at the moment.

The Penang state government and Syarikat Prasarana Negara Bhd, meanwhile, were reportedly also interested to take over the state's ferry operations.

PPSB reportedly lost some RM22 million in operating the ferries in Penang in 2008.

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Penang Port to act against those who overload containers
By Kang Siew Li
Published: 2009/06/29

PENANG Port Sdn Bhd (PPSB), the operator of Penang Port, has agreed to take action against shippers who overload their cargo containers at the port, after international container shipping lines slammed its lackadaisical responses to their complaints in handling the matter.

It is understood that the agreement was reached at a meeting between PPSB and the International Ship Owners' Association of Malaysia (ISOA), Penang Chapter on June 17 2009.

During the meeting, the terminal operator said it will start by ordering shippers of overweight boxes to repack their cargo until they meet the weight requirement.

Requests for enforcement have been sent by ISOA to PPSB since June last year, saying that overweight containers could pose a threat to ships and their crew. However, the calls have gone largely unheeded until the matter went to press on June 15.

When contacted by Business Times, ISOA secretary Fong Keng Lun said it has not received an official letter from PPSB, but confirmed the meeting between the terminal operator and the association's Penang Chapter committee members.

"Every port should have a Health, Safety and Environment Policy and be International Ship and Port Facility (ISPS) code-compliant. If those principles are being followed, then there should not be any compromise made on commercial grounds. You cannot compromise safety," Fong said.

Asked on the matter in an interview on Thursday, Transport Minister Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat said that anything against the law must be dealt with.

Pelabuhan Tanjung Pelepas Sdn Bhd corporate communications manager Md. Derick Basir said Port of Tanjung Pelepas does have instances of receiving overweight containers at its port in Johor, but the amount is not significant.

"All local cargo passes over a weighbridge in our gate complex and is either rejected from the terminal or directed to a holding area if found to be under declared, depending on the circumstances," he said via email.

Northport (Malaysia) Bhd spokesman said at Northport, due to its strict controls at all its gates/entry points, overweight containers are disallowed entry into the terminal.

"We have capped the maximum weight allowed per 20-ft or 40-ft container at 30.48 tonnes per container, as weight ascertained at the weighbridges, at our gates.

"However, exceptions are made for overweight containers if they are proven to be of the Container Safety Convention (CSC) Plate, which are designed for a maximum of 32 tonnes gross weight," the spokesman said.

Malaysia Shipowners' Association (Masa) also shares a common view with its international counterpart.

Its executive secretary Captain Imtiaz Hussein said Masa members, especially domestic container operators, have given strict instruction to the ports and terminals in the understanding that all containers must pass through the latter's weighbridge.

"If found to exceed the weight limitation of the container, the port must reject acceptance of the container and the haulier will then have to return the container to the shipper for unloading or repacking to meet the weight requirement.

"Shipmasters have also been instructed to reject overweight containers loaded on a vessel or when the stability of the vessel is compromised," Imtiaz said.

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Major shipping firm keen on investing, says Ong
Monday June 29, 2009

TANGKAK: The world’s third biggest shipping company is keen to invest in port-related ventures in the country, Transport Minister Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat said.

Speaking to reporters here, Ong said he had met with CMA Maritime in France recently and talked about investing in the shipping industry.

However, he said the recent issues relating to the Port Klang Free Zone (PKFZ) raised by DAP leader Lim Kit Siang could discourage foreign investors from setting up related ventures in Port Klang.

Lim had already read the PricewaterhouseCoopers reports on the PKFZ and yet still raised issues about the project.

“He keeps asking about the three-year-old question to which he already knew the answer,” Ong said after opening the Ledang MCA division’s annual general meeting yesterday.

Ong said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak had announced on Saturday more liberalisation policies in many sectors and as a minister he supported the move.

He said he hoped the new liberalisation policies would attract more foreign investors to set up business ventures in the country.

He said he recently met with China’s Prime Minister Wen Jiabao who pledged to import more palm oil from Malaysia and also provide soft loan facilities.

He said these developments were the result of MCA’s economic agenda planned last year and wanted all party members to know the latest progress of the agenda.

“I informed the Ledang MCA leaders about the progress as I want the grassroots to know about the results of the party’s economic agenda,” he added.

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Port Klang Authority defers RM660m payment pending investigation findings
NST Online » NewsBreak 2009/06/30

PORT KLANG, Tue: THE Port Klang Authority (PKA) has decided to defer the RM660 million payment to Kuala Dimensi Sdn Bhd (KDSB), the turnkey contractor for Port Klang Free Zone (PKFZ) project, pending the completion of investigation by the special task force.

PKA chairman, Datuk Lee Hwa Beng, said the task force, which was set up on June 10 this year, has started investigations and was in the process of gathering information to complete the report within two months as directed by Transport Minister Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat.

"PKA recognises that not making the payment can result in litigation against it. If this happens, PKA will defend the actions and await the outcome," he told a media briefing after the board meeting here Tuesday.

Lee said PKA must be careful with public money and the board's decision was also part of the efforts by the transport ministry to restructure PKFZ's financial position and sought a legal review of some of the agreements it had signed in the past.

"The task force is expected to submit the recommendations to PKA and Ong by this August," he said.

The task force comprises lawyers, accountants, quantity surveyors and building cost consultants from professional firms specialising in areas of concern raised in the PricewaterhouseCoopers's audit report on the project.

Lee said the payment was deferred not because of money as the finance ministry has allocated the amount which PKA could withdraw anytime.

He said PKA would send the notice of payment deferment to KDSB immediately.

PKA needs to pay KDSB RM660 million in four parts from June to July.

The first, involving RM130 million, should be paid on or before today under the sale and purchase agreement signed on Nov 12, 2002.

Another RM230 million needs to be paid on or before today under the development agreement dated March 27, 2004.

PKA has to pay RM150 million in July under the supplemental agreement for additional development works dated Nov 30, 2005 and another RM150 million also in July under supplemental agreement for new additional development works dated Apr 26, 2006. - BERNAMA

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Malaysia's First Submarine Begins Journey Home From France
July 09, 2009 23:13 PM

KUALA LUMPUR, July 9 (Bernama) -- Malaysia's first submarine KD Tunku Abdul Rahman left Toulon, France on its historical maiden journey to Malaysia at 11 am Thursday.

The Embassy of Malaysia in Paris in a statement sent here, said the submarine was waved off by Malaysia's Ambassador to France Datuk S. Thanarajasingam.

Also present at the ceremony were Defence Attache Captain Khairuddin Mohd Ariff and officials from Malaysia's submarine project team as well as French senior navy officials led by Admiral Yann Tainguy.

The submarine consisting of 35 crew members was commanded by Commander Zulhelmy Ithnain of the Royal Malaysian Navy.

The submarine is expected to stop at Lumut and Port Klang for a few days before continuing the journey to Sepanggar Naval Base in Sabah.

It will also transit at major ports such as Jeddah, Djibouti and Cochin, before reaching Malaysia.

The submarine project started when Malaysia signed a deal to purchase two submarines in 2002.

The first submarine was finally completed with the departure of KD Tunku Abdul Rahman, which is expected to reach its Malaysian home in Sepanggar by early September.

-- BERNAMA

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Westports receives innovative CMA CGM ANDROMEDA,
…setting new terminal record

Port Klang, 16th June 2009: The CMA CGM Andromeda has set a new record for the largest containership to ever be handled at Westports in Port Klang todate. The 11,400 TEU French Liner arrived last Thursday as part of her inaugural deployment in the FAL Westbound service between Asia and Europe.

The CMA CGM Andromeda is 131,000 gross tonnes with 363 meters in length. It is the world’s first containership to be equipped with the state-of-the-art “Fast Oil Recovery System” designed to prevent marine pollution.

Other innovations include a waste compactor instead of an incinerator to process shipboard waste, an electronic engine and cold ironing connections that should eliminate exhaust smoke while tied up at berth.

According to CMA CGM Malaysia, the arrival of CMA CGM Andromeda shows the Group’s commitment to strengthen its services and volumes at Westports.

“Calls by such ultra large container ships demonstrate that Westports has the ability and capability to handle vessels of more than 360 meters in length as regular callers.”

”Currently, most of the large mainline container ships at Westports stand in the 8,000 to 10,000 TEU range. Typically, such vessels have a length of 335 to 350 meters, while the new breed of CMA CGM vessels of 11,300 to 14,000 TEU will measure about 365 meters in length.”
CMA CGM, presently the world’s third largest container shipping group, has made Westports its transshipment hub for South East Asia, with throughput expected to reach about 2.0 million TEUs this year. The arrival of CMA CGM Andromeda is not only a commitment by the French Liner to Westports, but also an expression of confidence in the terminal’s ability to perform on this mega size vessel.

In November last year, CMA CGM Vela (11,000 TEU) was the longest and biggest-ever vessel to call in at Westports. She is four meters longer than CMA CGM Andromeda but has less carrying capacity.

About Westports
Strategically located along the world’s busiest shipping lanes – The Straits of Malacca, Westports Malaysia is a gateway to South East Asia’s booming market with a global connectivity to 300 ports. Spanning 546 hectres on the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia on Pulau Indah, Westports constitutes one half of Port Klang’s 2 terminals, operating nine container berths with a quayline of 3.2 kilometers, capable of accommodating five mother vessels and five feeder vessels. This natural deep-water port with a minimum 16-meter draft aims to become a successful national cargo gateway and a regional hub.

Westports is among the world’s top 5 in productivity. Consistently rated as one of the world’s most productive ports, Westports surpasses its productivity records by raising its own performance bar year on year. Westports delivers average crane productivity of 35 gross moves per hour and over the vessel productivity of above 100 gross moves per hour with minimum 3 cranes operation. Today, 31 Main Line Operators and 36 Feeders call on the port including CMA CGM, China Shipping Container Lines, Goldstar, CSAV Norasia, Delmas, Evergreen Marine, APL, MSC Shipping and Hanjin.

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Mathavan Portrays ‘Bangsa Malaysia’ Identity

Mathavan Sangaran, a full time employee at Westports Malaysia, is one of the port’s most productive and skillful Quay Crane Operator. Although working on shifts, he has proven to manage his time so effectively that he is not only an exemplary worker at Westports, but also a Hero for the nation.

For Mathavan, his passion for work is more than being a family member of Westports. For the past 10 years, he has devoted all of his off days and after work hours to help the unfortunate Malaysians, regardless of race.

For all his sacrifices and contributions, the 47-year-old father of 3 experienced the most memorable moment of his life when he went up stage to receive the Unity Garland Award from none other than our Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak. The event was organized by the National Unity and Integration Department of the Prime Minister’s Department on Sunday, 24th May 2009 at the IOI Mall in Puchong.

Mathavan’s humanitarian deeds and charity works has helped many, especially the poor people, single mothers, school children, handicap, senior citizens and homeless people. His social work also involves informing the communities of the many benefits and aid given by the government through various agencies for the poor and the underprivileged.

“I am happy to see people in distress getting the benefits they deserve from the government. These people are ignorant of the many forms of help channeled by various government agencies. My job is to assist and link them to the authorities or to look for aid from well wishers and good Samaritans,” said Mathavan whose social service is well supported by his wife, K.Selvarani.

Some of his social contribution include assisting students to get study loans for studies locally and abroad, organizing motivational courses with the assistance of the National Unity Department, sourcing books and PIBG fees for poor children, wheel chairs and artificial limbs for the most unfortunate members of society, medicine and hospital fees for the needy and getting exemptions for medical care fees. His main focus is on assisting the handicap, especially in getting them the OKU cards, which will enable them to get the government’s assistance such as monthly allowances.

“ I do all this for the sake of humanity. I am deeply touched by the many deeds of Mother Teresa and she is my main inspiration. I give my best without expecting any monetary reward because my working at Westports has enabled me to take care of my family needs. I am happy my contribution also fosters unity and well being of the people of various races, inline with the concept of Bangsa Malaysia and 1Malaysia,” he added.

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CMA CGM sees pick-up in second half
- 4.5.2009

WESTPORTS Malaysia's top customer, CMA CGM & ANL Malaysia Sdn Bhd, is optimistic of better times ahead although the global economy continues to slow down.

The world's third largest container shipping company expects volume to pick up in the second half of this year.

"Some of our volume is picking up and we hope to see some signs of recovery as early as this month, so it's coming," said managing director Simon Whitelaw in a statement on Tuesday.

Whitelaw said although the company experienced a small drop in the first quarter of this year, it actually saw an increase for local boxes compared with the corresponding period in 2008.

He said April, May and June are expected to see a slight recovery, with the volume picking up further in the second half of this year.

While making improvements on its services from Asia to the Mediterranean, CMA CGM will also introduce two new services, one of them to Mozambique, Africa, starting from mid-May, Whitelaw said.

"We are looking at new services, especially to Africa which is doing very well. Additionally, CMA CGM will offer upgraded service coverage of western and central Mediterranean from Asia," he said.

Starting from mid-May, CMA CGM will enter into a new vessel sharing agreement with Maersk, providing vessels of 8,500 TEUs (20-foot equivalent units), Whitelaw said.

The new service will allow wider port coverage, he said, adding that it will operate with nine vessels of about 8,500 TEUs.

Whitelaw said CMA CGM would revamp its service from Asia to the Adriatic by entering a new partnership with Maersk through a vessel sharing agreement.

Starting from mid-May, the new service will focus on the Adriatic region with faster transit times to Trieste, Koper and Rijeka, he said.

The joint service will operate with eight vessels of 6,500 TEUs, with four each from CMA CGM and Maersk. - Bernama

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Cargo volumes seen picking up in H2
- 4.5.2009



CMA CGM Vela at Westports is the world's
third largest container shipping company.

CMA CGM & ANL Malaysia Sdn Bhd, the top main-line operator at Westports Malaysia, sees cargo volumes picking up in the second half of the year.

“Actually some of our volumes are picking up and hope to see some signs of recovery as soon as this month, so it’s coming,” said managing director Simon Whitelaw in a statement.

According to Whitelaw, although the French liner experienced a small drop in the first quarter of this year, it saw an increase in local boxes compared with the corresponding period last year.

He sees a slight recovery in April, May and June and a further pick-up in volumes in the second half of the year.

While making improvements in its services from Asia to the Mediterranean (westbound), parent company CMA CGM, the world’s third largest container shipping company, will also introduce two new services, one of which is to Mozambique, Africa, starting from the middle of this month.

“We are looking at new services, especially to Africa which is doing very well.

“Additionally CMA CGM will offer upgraded service coverage to Western and Central Mediterranean from Asia.

“Starting from the middle of this month, CMA CGM will enter into a new vessel sharing agreement with Maersk, providing a vessel of 8,500 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) capacity.

“The new service will allow wider port coverage,” Whitelaw said.

Rotation of the new service will be as follows: Lian Yun Gang, Qingdao, Shanghai, Fuzhou, Hong Kong, Chiwan, Yantian, Tanjung Pelepas, Jeddah, Port Said, Gioia Tauro, Genoa, Fos, Gioia Tauro, Damietta, Port Said, Salalah, Port Klang, Singapore, Lian Yun Gang.

The service will be operated with nine vessels of about 8,500 TEUs.

Whitelaw also pointed out that CMA CGM would revamp its PHEX/LEVEX service from Asia to the Adriatic.

The new service will focus on the Adriatic region with faster transit times to Trieste, Koper and Rijeka.

Rotation will be as follows: Shanghai, Busan, Hong Kong, Chiwan, Tanjung Pelepas, Port Kelang, Port Said, Damietta, Trieste, Koper, Rijeka (by feeder), Damietta, Port Said, Jeddah, Port Klang, Singapore, Shanghai.

This joint service will be operated with eight vessels of 6,500 TEUs.

“A new US East Coast, West Coast pendulum service commences in May, while a revised Black Sea service (BEX) also commences in May with direct calls at Westports and Tanjung Pelepas.

“So, despite the current economic situation, CMA CGM is planning and committed to the recovery expected in 2010,” Whitelaw said.

[nazrey]

Westports reaches another milestone
New Straits Times - 22.6.2009

THE CMA CGM Andromeda has set a new record as the largest containership to ever be handled at Westports in Port Klang to date.

The 11,400-TEU (twenty-foot equivalent unit) French liner arrived last Thursday as part of her inaugural deployment in the FAL Westbound service between Asia and Europe.

The CMA CGM Andromeda is a 131,000-gross -tonne vessel, which is 363m in length. It is the world's first containership to be equipped with the state-of-the-art "Fast Oil Recovery System" designed to prevent marine pollution.

Other innovations include a waste compactor instead of an incinerator to process shipboard waste, an electronic engine and cold ironing connections that should eliminate exhaust smoke while tied up at berth.

According to CMA CGM Malaysia, the arrival of CMA CGM Andromeda shows the group's commitment to strengthen its services and volumes at Westports.

"Calls by such ultra large container ships demonstrate that Westports has the ability and capability to handle vessels of more than 360m in length as regular callers," it said in a statement.

Currently, most of the large mainline container ships at Westports stand in the 8,000 to 10,000-TEU range. Typically, such vessels have a length of 335m to 350m, while the new breed of CMA CGM vessels of 11,300 to 14,000 TEUs will measure about 365m in length.

CMA CGM, currently the world's third largest container shipping group, has made Westports its transshipment hub for Southeast Asia, with throughput expected to reach about 2 million TEUs this year.

In November last year, CMA CGM Vela (11,000 TEUs) was the longest and biggest-ever vessel to call in at Westports. She is 4m longer than CMA CGM Andromeda but has less carrying capacity.