Two Malaysian seaports, Port of Tanjung Pelepas and Port Klang, have achieved strong increases in container volumes during 2021.
Port of Tanjung Pelepas handled 11.2 million TEU in the previous year, registering a 14% growth compared to 2020’s figures, while Port Klang handled 13.74 million TEU in 2021, increased by 500,000 TEU from 2020. Port of Tanjung Pelepas crossed 10 million TEU in a single year for the first time in its history.
The Malaysian Transport Minister, Datuk Seri Dr. Wee Ka Siong noted that both ports have achieved great performance during a challenging year. The minister recalled the difficulties the ports faced as the Covid-19 pandemic hit the globe, including container shortages, port congestions, and severe operation disruption due to heavy rains.
Port of Tanjung Pelepas also became the first port in South-East Asia to accommodate the world’s largest container vessel, Evergreen’s Ever Ace, and the world’s first and largest Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) powered container ship, CMA CGM Jacques Saade, according to the Transport Minister of the country.
Meantime, the Port of Tanjung Pelepas authority announced today (7 January) an investment of approximately US$178 million to expand its capacity. By the next six months, the current port’s capacity of 11.5 million TEU will be increased by 1 million TEU, according to the port’s chief executive officer, Marco Neelsen.
“The port will buy 18 new quayside and yard cranes and expand the size of box handling yards. The port authority also wants to add one more berth close to its Berth 1,” added Neelsen.
Moreover, the port is now expanding its free zone by a 327,795 m² site in Tanjung Adang, which is expected to be completed by early next year.
Sharar Nayel
Asia Correspondent
