Westport Conventional Terminal at Port Klang set a new record recently when a fully laden Panamax vessel ‘MV Pantanassa’ discharged 58,800 metric tonnes of maize at its facilities.

According to senior dry bulk executive Manjit Singh, in the past such vessels called Westport to discharge partial portions of the load only and call multiple ports in the region for the rest of the load.

However, in view of the facilities at Westport – the terminal offers 15 metres depth alongside and 80,000 tonnes displacement of wharf impact – large Pananax vessels find it easier to call at the terminal for a single discharge.

All 58,000 metric tonnes of grains were discharged via conveyor belts at the terminal at a gross rate of 10,500 metric tonnes per day.

Manjit Singh said savings in both time and money coupled with the efficient ‘Fastport’ discharge rates at Westport have been key factors that contributed to the cargo owners decision on the single port of discharge move at Westport.

“As a result, both the ship and cargo owners stand to benefit the most as substantial savings are recorded when a single port is used as opposed to two or three discharging ports,” he said.

The ship owner’s savings include marine and dockage charges, which will only need to paid once averaging US$10,000. The cargo owner on the other hand will enjoy faster discharge resulting in shorter port stay for the vessel. This will save the cargo owner an approximate 3 to 4 days at US$ 8,000 per day.

The maize from Brazil was imported by a group of consignees under the flagship of Consortium Indah Grains.