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Carriers oppose container shift to Port of Tanjung Pelepas
POSTED: 9:11 a.m. EDT, May 24,2007
Ocean carriers have expressed their unwillingness to support a plan to move all container operations from Malaysia's Johor Port to the neighbouring Port of Tanjung Pelepas (PTP).
Shipping lines calling at Johor feel that cargo volume will be reduced which will also cut into the trade with its hinterland, resulting in an overall reduction of throughput for both ports.
Johor Port Shipping and Forwarding Association president Alvin Tan said the plan may well have a negative impact on overall performance with the two ports which are both owned by MMC Corp Bhd.
"As Johor Port has been efficient as one of the most cost-effective points of entry to a number of manufacturers dealing in imports and exports in this vicinity, this niche market needs to be protected and it is only viable that ports like Johor Port continue to offer their competitiveness to meet both demand and supply of liners and manufacturers at large," said Mr Tan in the Business Times of Malaysia.
Amasis Shipping general manager Quek Boon Chew agreed, saying that one cannot ignore the fact that the surrounding area of Pasir Gudang has a large export-oriented community and most industries such as palm oil are firmly rooted in the industrial area.
"Diverting the exporters to a gateway that is further than their present location will only add to their costs," said Mr Quek. |
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