The Hindu Business Line : `Our port will help boost India-Malaysia trade'

In 2006, two-way trade was worth $6.58 billion. It is estimated to jump to $10 billion in 2007. -- — MR MOHD SIDIK SHAIK OSMAN, CHAIRMAN, PORT OF TANJUNG PELEPAS (PTP), MALAYSIA,

Mr Mohd Sidik Shaik Osman, Chariman, Port of Tanjung Pelepas (PTP), Malaysia

Mr Mohammad Sidik Shaik Osman, Chairman, Port of Tanjung Pelepas (PTP), Malaysia, was recently in Kolkata to attend the launch of shipping services between Kolkata/Haldia and his port. Singapore-based Orient Express Line has launched direct weekly services between PTP and Kolkata/Haldia. Also, there will be an additional sailing via Bangladesh. In an interview to Business Line, the PTP Chairman talked of his port's growth plans, which could help promote trade between India and Malaysia.

Excerpts from the interview:

Is this your first visit?

Yes, this is my first visit to Kolkata. Earlier I visited other parts of India.

What brings you here?

As you know, OEL, one of the major lines operating out of PTP, has launched services between Kolkata/Haldia and our port. I came to attend the launching ceremony. I took this opportunity to meet a cross-section of the trade here.

How hopeful are you?

I'm very hopeful.

Why?

Malaysia is India's biggest trading partner in South-East Asia and the two-way trade is growing. In 2006, it was worth $6.58 billion and is estimated to jump to $10 billion in 2007. Our port will play a key role in fostering the growth.

How?

Very simple. PTP is South-East Asia's preferred port.

Why?

Let me give you a bit of history. In 1995, Tanjung Pelepas was a fishing village. Our Prime Minister officially declared the port open in March 2000. Pelepas Freezone was officially launched in 2002; the port's container throughput crossed the 4-million TEU mark in 2004.

In 2000, PTP was ranked 148 in the world; in 2006, the ranking jumped to 19.

How would you explain the growth?

The growth can be attributed to several factors. First the location. TheStraits of Malacca's strategic location has made Malaysia an important transhipment and distribution hub. Our port is strategically located at the intersection of east and west international sea trade lanes.

Only 45 minutes' diversion time, similar to the port of Singapore. Then there are other natural factors such as sheltered bay and no tide restriction.

Other than natural factors...

Through meticulous planning and time-bound implementation, we have succeeded in establishing PTP as a world-class port offering state-of-the-art facilities and equipment, providing excellent infrastructure and ensuring faster turnaround time for vessels and container movement.

Could you provide some details...

The port has the capacity to handle eight million TEUs annually. In 2006, we handled 4.77 million TEUs, likely to rise to six million TEUs in 2007. We have a 3.6-km linear quay (10 berths x 360 metre), a 154,000-TEU capacity container yard and 3,000 reefer points. The number of super post-panamax cranes is 27 and there are 72 rubber-tyred gantry (RTG) cranes and integrated IT system. The available draft ranges from 15 to 19 metres. A 12.6-km-long access channel can handle two-way traffic and we have a turning basin of 600 metres.

Ancillary facilities...

We have container maintenance and repair facilities, on-dock depot, bunkering and other marine services, inspection bays and operations support centre.

Your future plans...

By 2010, PTP's throughput is targeted to reach 7.3 million TEUs. Our phase II development anticipates construction of eight berths, of which four are ready.

Additional equipment, such as high-performance quay cranes, RTGs, prime movers and others have been ordered. According to PTP's Master Plan, eventually there will be more than 50 berths.

Are you conforming to international standards?

Absolutely. The various international safety standards we adhere to include ISPS, US Customs Service Container Security Initiative and C-TPAT.

We also have Customs scanning machine installed in the port, restricted and controlled systems in the terminals, 24-hour, in-house security, with auxiliary police powers and 24-hour emergency response team.

What are the major shipping lines operating out of PTP?

Maersk, world's biggest container operator, holds equity stake in PTP. In addition, there are several other lines such as Evergreen, Malaysia International Shipping Company, Hamburg Sud, Orient Express Line, MCC Transport, Utama Marine, Vinalines and QC Lines, which place their mainline vessels at our port. Negotiations are on with several others. We offer excellent global connectivity.

How has PTP's performance been vis-a-vis other ports in Malaysia?

In 2006, all Malaysian ports together handled 13.1 million TEUs, of which PTP's share was 4.77 million TEUs, followed by West Port (3.66 million TEUs), North Port (2.66 million TEUs), Johor Port (8.8 lakh TEUs), Penang Port (8.5 lakh TEUs), Bintulu (1.6 lakh TEUs) and Kuantan (1.3 lakh TEUs).

What about the hinterland?

Over 1000 acres adjacent to the port, designated as free commercial and industrial zone, are dedicated for development and industrial activities. The zone is integrated with port terminals. There are logistics activities covering handling of break-bulk, repacking, labelling, grading, consolidation and distribution.

There are manufacturing activities covering production, assembly and processing. The hinterland is dotted with petrochemical industrial park, power plants and other units. South West Johor is to be transformed into a new economic growth area.

What is the biggest challenge?

The competition is becoming increasingly intense. As a service provider we must achieve excellence. Our service standards have to be second to none. We are confident of achieving it. Our performance in past few years is the indicator.

More Stories on : Interview | Shipping | Foreign Trade

Article E-Mail :: Comment :: Syndication :: Printer Friendly Page

Stories in this Section
Aviation turbine fuel prices: `Talks on with Oil Ministry, PSUs'

`Dangerous cargo' alert

More info on world tariffs

`Our port will help boost India-Malaysia trade'

Rlys rapped for not scrapping surcharge

Trains between India, Bangladesh

Jet plans rights issue to raise $400 m