Updated ..... October 10, 2000

Halim Mazmin Berhad, observed another milestone in its 20-year development when one of its four container ships made its maiden call at Port Klang today (October 6, 2000) on its service route to from the Far East - Mediterranean and United States. 

The 2,680 TEU capacity vessel, Japan Senator, acquired by Patriot Shipping Sdn Bhd a fully owned subsidiary of Halim Mazmin Bhd (HMB) at a cost of USD35 million (RM133 million), berthed at Westport Container Terminal as part of the America Mediterranean Asia (AMA) weekly direct service mounted by charterer of the vessel, Senator Line. The ultra modern containership was built at Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft AG, Kiel, in West Germany. The vessel is also fitted with the latest Navigational aids and a fully automated engine room.

HMB, a public listed shipping company with fleet of eight vessels - four product tankers and four container ships - has long-term charter for its two container ships with Senator Line. (Its two other container ships are chartered out to Kien Hung Shipping Co Ltd of Taiwan.)

Senator Line, which has also chartered a second container ships from HMB, is a member of the AMA service operated under the United Alliance Line which includes Hanjin Shipping, Cho Yang Shipping and the United Arab Shipping Corporation.

The port of rotation of the AMA service covers Port Klang, Gioia Tauro, La Spezia, Fos, Valencia, Savannah, Norfolk and New York. In Asia the service covers major ports like Busan, Kaohsiung, Hong Kong, Singapore.
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In addition to HMB-owned Japan Senator and American Senator, Senator Line has deployed eight other vessels of sizes ranging between 2,700 TEU and 3,000 TEU.

Collectively, the United Alliance Line has deployed a total of 13 ship with the 2,700-3,000 TEU capacity in the fast growing trade lane. 

Speaking at the ceremony to mark the maiden call of Japan Senator, HMB executive chairman, Tan Sri Halim Mohammad, said he was grateful to the charterers to position his vessels to make the direct call at Port Klang.

"It is a very positive development - especially in the light of the government's efforts to promote Port Klang as the national load centre fostering more mainline services at the premier port," he said.

"As owners of the vessel, HMB is indeed pleased to see the national flag vessel engage in an important international trade route that will bring direct benefit to shippers in Malaysia and the region." he added.

Tan Sri Halim said the move by the charterers to make the direct call at Port, as part of the United Alliance Line's AMA service would benefit shippers in Malaysia to reach markets in the Mediterranean and United States.

"I hope our local shippers will take advantage of the direct port call and support the AMA service," he added.

He said HMB's second sister container vessel chartered to Senator Line, American Senator (also acquired by HMB for RM133 million) was expected to make a similar direct call at Port Klang sometime later this month.

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Tan Sri Halim said he was pleased with the performance of the vessels, which were financed by Affin Bank.

Meanwhile, Tan Sri Halim said HMB's two other container ships chartered to Kien Hung Shipping company of Taiwan are also expected to make direct calls at Port Klang.

"We understand that the charterers are looking at positioning the vessels to call Port Klang direct in the light of improved trade between Malaysia and South America," he said.

Tan Sri Halim said HMB was happy to play its role in ensuring the participation of more Malaysian-flag vessels in national and international trades.

"Consistent with the government's policy of fostering the expansion of national merchant fleet, HMB hopes to play an increasing important role in enhancing national flag participation in international trade," he said.

He urged Government controlled companies who control large cargo movement would continue to give preference to Malaysian owners. This in turn can help reduce the outflow of our monies paid to foreign shipowners who still dominate Malaysia's shipping requirement.

Tan Sri Halim added the improving quality of services at Westport was also an important factor for shipping lines to call at the port.

"I am confident the quality of service would be further enhanced and strengthened, especially in the light of recent announcement on the acquisition by global port operator, Hutchinson International Terminal, of a strategic interest in Westport," he said.