Westports sees 20% volume growth in FH2007

Port Klang: Westports has revealed that it has seen container volumes surge by 20% in the first six months of 2007 to 2.1m teu. During this period, the seaport saw a throughput of 571,000 boxes from local sources (10% more than in the corresponding period in 2006) and 24% increase in transshipment to 1.37m teu. The surge has led the group to estimate that traffic will surpass its intial target of 4.2m teu for 2007.

"Every single increment in volume growth puts Westports a step in the right direction," said Executive Chairman of Westports Malaysia, Tan Sri G. Gnanalingam. "We already possess 63% of the market share in Port Klang."

"To keep up with the trend in rising volume growth, a total of RM 285m ($82.8m) is being invested on 600mtr extension of wharf, 60 acres of additional yard space and four additional quay cranes. With this, Westports is set to see more improvements as competitiveness will be enhanced and productivity levels will be boosted further," he added.  

The seaport group has also declared a 14% increase in revenue for the first half of 2007 to over RM 400m ($116m).  [10/07/07]