Within the kaleidoscope of fast changing global logistics scenario, Penang Port Sdn Bhd has formulated a strategic approach to serve our customers at the peak level, in line with our new corporate vision to make Penang Port to be the PREMIER PORT AND LOGISTICS CHAIN INTEGRATOR IN THE REGION.
Under New Business Plan, for container operations, the North Butterworth Container Terminal will be expanding by another 600 meters to accommodate seven vessels at any one time. The north channel entrance will also be dredged to 13.5 meters from the current depth of 11.5 meters to accommodate bigger drafted vessels.
In addition, the port is also planning a 1500 meter storage deck located directly to the back of the present berth. This will enhance the handling of export containers and improve port productivity performance by up to 30%. This deck will be able to handle 873,900 teus and together with the current capacity of 961,300 teus, total yard capacity at the port will be 1,835,200.
The new expansion plan will be equipped with six new super post panamax gantry cranes and 15 rubber tyred gantry cranes. These new superstructures and equipment will certainly enhance our strategy of being supply driven port instead of being driven by demand. With these new developments in plan, productivity at the port will be increased, with a new target of at 35 teus moves per hour. The cost of construction is expected to be RM380.7 million.
Penang Port Sdn Bhd also has formulated a strategic approach to provide information services in tandem the company’s long term business plan, PELKON III, PPSB’s newest container terminal management system was official launched on 1 September 2006. The objective is to make the port intelligent and move to the paperless era with a host of new features and functionalities that will enable port customers to do business in an easier and faster way.
In the pipe line after marina project completion, is the development an international cruise passenger terminal at Swettenham Pier, that is estimated to cost RM65 million. The project is already kicks off in May 2006 and targeted to complete in 2007. The present Swettenham Pier will be upgraded as world class cruise terminal to revitalize the Georgetown Waterfront. The scope of work involves the redeveloped of Swettenham Pier into an ultra-modern international cruise Terminal with a T-shaped berth 450 meters long and 9 meters deep. Upon completion, the berth will be able to cater for cruise vessel carrying more than 2,000 passengers.
We believe that with these developments in place, we will be able to fulfill our customer’s expectations, thereby strengthening our market position and company performance. Thus enhancing our capability to make Penang Port Sdn Bhd a truly regional huh for the Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand growth triangle.
