Port Klang expects a positive expansion in the volume of containers handled this year despite the economic slow-down arising from the recession in US and Japan.

Disclosing this, the general manager of Port Klang Authority, Datin Paduka O C Phang said the structural transformation of Port Klang into an important international transshipment hub in addition to it performing the gateway role as Malaysia’s premier port has considerably strengthened its cargo base.

“With about 40 per cent of our cargo base now derived from handling transhipment traffic (from the regional economies), we are confident this source of cargo will continue to contribute to the expansion of throughput at the port, even if a slower growth in national traffic is recorded,” she said.

She said based on recent developments - including arising from the several new services, deployment of larger vessels and higher frequencies by shipping lines - there is every reason to hope that we are set to improve on the 1.2 million TEUs transhipment containers handled by Port Klang last year.

“Transhipment via Port Klang is no longer an option to a growing number of world shipping lines,” she noted in the latest issue of “Gateway” the corporate newsletter of PKA.

Phang said the vastly superior port facilities and services, the high and consistent level of performance, the strong cargo base, and of course the attractive rates and charges are pertinent factors which shipping lines will find difficult to ignore in electing to include Port Klang in their shipping schedules.

“In fact, the more discerning shipping lines now have the opportunity to re-examine their costs and operations based on the advantages and benefits that Port Klang offer, especially in the light of a possible downswing to improve on their margins,” she said.

She noted a recent third party finding (Hong Kong Shippers’ Council) had recently reported that the port handling charges at Port Klang are lower than all other transshipment hubs in the region.

“I must also add that what separates Port Klang from the rest is also the unprecedented high level of support and assistance we are prepared to give, including by the Ministry of Transport, to our port users,” she said.