Port of Tanjung Pelepas (PTP), a joint venture between Malaysian-based MMC Group and the Netherlands-based APM Terminals, hit a historic milestone by becoming the first container terminal in Malaysia to surpass one million 20ft equivalent units (TEUs) in a month.
According to PTP, the milestone was recorded on July 31, 2022, at approximately 11.45 pm during the loading process at MTT CEBU vessel, with final monthly throughput volume registered at 1,001,819 million TEUs.
“This latest record-breaking milestone and various other accomplishments set by PTP over the years underlined the value of the maritime sector to Malaysia’s economic wellbeing and the importance of trade to the nation,” said Transport Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong in a recent statement.
He lauded PTP for its sterling performance in achieving the latest record amid a challenging business environment, especially due to rising freight costs, port congestion, the impact of Ukraine war on global shipping, equipment and manpower shortages, among others.
“PTP’s strategic approach to continuously enhance efficiency and optimise its footprint has served tremendously in keeping the nation’s competitive advantage in an increasingly competitive global market,” he added.
Meanwhile, PTP chairman Tan Sri Che Khalib Mohamad Noh said that this latest milestone has further underscored PTP’s position as the busiest container terminal in Malaysia.
“This achievement is the result of outstanding dedication and commitment from everyone to set up the right and sustainable business conditions especially in applying advanced technological strategy in our day-to-day operation and focus to delivering integrated customer services to our stakeholders,” he said in the statement.
Earlier this year, PTP became the first container terminal in Malaysia to surpass 11 million TEUs throughput volume in a year, further strengthening PTP’s position as one of the top 15 global ports.
PTP CEO Marco Neelsen explained that PTP continuously reviews and refines its strategic direction and initiatives to ensure sustainable growth.
“Our concerted efforts to grow are accompanied by significant emphasis on our port asset upgrades and infrastructure works, aligned with our environmental, social and corporate governance agenda and digital strategy roadmap,” said Neelsen.
Over the years, the company has implemented various sustainable solutions including efforts to reduce carbon footprint by electrifying its equipment, introducing various automation initiatives such as on the Asset Digitisation Programme, collaborating with local academia on studies of Prime Mover Automation project, as well as introducing women empowerment agenda to attract more local female talents into its workforce especially as terminal equipment drivers.
PTP has also recently partnered with United Nations Global Compact Network to further embed sustainability practices in all areas of PTP’s business and operation.
