18 Tanjung Pelepas Throughput: 5,600,000teu (+2.4%)

While volumes remained steady through 2008, PTP is one of the few ports confidently predicting a 9% rise for 2009. The port expects to handle 6.1m teu this year, following the decision by CMA CGM to route 500,000teu through the port in a joint service with Maersk Line.

Local traffic at what is predominantly a transhipment port rose 43% to 94,000teu last year, following an increase in the number of local services.

A PTP spokesman tells Cargo Systems that while the economic slump will inevitably affect the port, it also offers opportunities. "Efficient port services available at PTP will directly benefit its customers, as it translates into cost savings for them, for example when their ships get turned around at a faster rate." PTP expects crane rates to increase from 30 to 35 moves per hour this year following the delivery of new dual-hoist cranes. The port is developing berths 11 and 12 to provide another 720 metres, taking the total linier quayline to 4.4km. The adjacent container backyard will be developed next year, providing additional storage capacity for 40,000teu. Another 25 RTGs and 60 prime movers and trailers will complete the expansion.

In the long term, the port plans to expand annual capacity to 150m teu.