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PTP retains Malaysian container port crown

PTP retains Malaysian container port crown

Kuala Lumpur: The Port of Tanjung Pelepas in Johor has retained its status as the country's leading port for the sixth year in a row, having handled 5.6m teu in 2008. According to new PTP ceo Captain Ismail Hashim, despite the global economic slowdown in 2008, PTP still managed to grow its "local" throughput volume by approximately 43%, up by 94,000teu from the 218,000teu recorded in 2007.

Hashim attributed the growth to factors including increased import and export shipping services available at the port. In particular he mentioned the new services between PTP and Australia, New Zealand and Philippines that have been introduced by Malaysia's leading shipping company, MISC, when they moved their hub from Singapore to PTP in June 2008. He also spoke of the new hapag Lloyd service linking PTP to Europe and the Far East.

"The various forms of shipping line arrangements such as joint services and slot exchange arrangements between the different shipping lines calling at PTP has made it possible for local cargo owners to move more cargo through PTP in 2008" Hashim said.
 
He also believes that effienct port services at PTP have led major container liner companies such as Maersk and Evergreen to introduce more service calls at PTP. " Evergreen last year introduced a new Vietnam Service linking Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam and PTP whilst Maersk introduced a new service linking Asia and the US through their vessel sharing agreement with French shipping liner CMA CGM" he said.

Whilst acknowledging that the global economic outlook this year does not look too promising for the overall port and shipping industry, the captain is confident that the un-favorable economic conditions could bring about some opportunities for PTP. "Rising operational cost will force shipping lines to look for cheaper alternatives. At PTP, we have always prided ourselves with being able to deliver top class port services, operational efficiency and high productivity which translates into cost savings for our customers. Being able to serve our customer's expectations in a cost effective manner, whilst at the same time not compromising on our service levels to them makes PTP a very attractive value proposition" he concluded.   [30/01/09]