Northport, the smaller of the two container shipping terminal operators at Port Klang in Malaysia is investing MYR350 million (US$136 million) to build the new wharf 8 to attract more calls from vessels of up to 18,000 TEU, according to Shipping Gazette.
According to local media reports, CEO Abi Sofian Abdul Hamid said Northport aims to be included in more box shipping service loops on a regular basis by the main line operators. So far it has handled ships of up to 14,000 TEU.
Mr Abi Sofian said the construction of wharf 8, now at the tendering stage, is expected to begin by year-end.
"The development of wharf 8 leans more towards capability building rather than increasing capacity. By upgrading wharf 8, annual capacity will increase by 300,000 TEU, but the main objective is that ships as big as 18,000 TEU could call at our port anytime."
Northport's annual capacity is 5.6 million TEU at present, far below the 2.9 million TEU handled last year. The port head also noted that if more major contenders call, the port would attract more cargo and feeder lines.
However, for such ultra-large box ships to call at the port, or make the terminal part of more global carrier networks, the port requires a strong wharf, reported SeatradeGlobal.
"We cannot just put big handling cranes on the existing wharf as they could not withstand the load."
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