Malaysia Port Operators Seek Growth in New Markets

Westports Malaysia, operator of the country’s busiest port, Port Klang looks to potential markets in SE Asian countries to expand container business.

Chief executive officer, Ruben Emir Gnanalingam, considered that despite the slowing down of demand in Europe, US and China, the fast emerging markets such as India, Africa and Middle East countries were continuing their growth.

Westports’ core business is container operations and its major clients include the CMA CGM group, China Shipping and United Arab Shipping Corp. Westports will spend about RM500 million in 2013 to improve its current facility and provide better services to its clients. Currently Westport is constructing the 300-metre and 600-metre wharfs which are to be ready by January 2013 and early 2014 respectively.

Presently the port's capacity is 8.5 million TEUs and it may be able to reach 10 million TEUs capacity with the completion of these two wharfs in 2014.

The wharfs will come along with crane and corresponding yacht equipment.