Cut -Off Time For Export Containers

In a move aimed at ensuring a higher level of productivity in terminal container handling operations, Port Klang Authority, wants the three private port operating companies under its jurisdiction to maintain the 12 hour cut-off time for export containers.

"We are merely introducing international standards in our port operating environment to ensure that the terminal operators remain competitive in attracting more mainlines and feeders operators to call at Port Klang," said the General Manager of PKA, Datin O.C Phang.

Port Klang has been recording an average of 20 to 22 moves per crane per hour over the last six months period. The terminals are capable of achieving an average of 25 moves per hour if boxes arrive at the container terminals within the agreed "window" period.

To assist the terminal sustain the high performance, Port Klang Authority has requested the co-operation of all shippers to adhere to the 12 hour cut-off time for export containers to arrive at the gates of the port operators.

Commenting on the directive, Westport Executive Chairman, Tan Sri Datuk Gnanalingam said it was necessary to ensure greater consistency in the level of operation at the container terminals.

"The eleventh hour deliveries from some shippers have not only increased shut-out of containers but also affected the productivity of the terminal operators," said Tan Sri Gnanalingam

He stressed that shippers must understand that terminal operators needed enough time to pre-plan their loading and unloading activities before arrival of the ship. Careful planning is important in the terminal operating environment to ensure shorter turnaround time of liners calls at Port Klang.

Ship planners need to match container status with loading list submitted by lines. In the meantime the boxes must get clearance from the Customs and other relevant government agencies. Then terminal operators would also have to plan for discharging and loading of containers from the ships.

Tan Sri Datuk Gnanalingam also said that Westport still practices the fast-port and flexi-port standards whereby it accepts boxes less than 12 hours provided shippers fulfill all the export requirements and given accurate information.

Such an arrangement can also be made at Northport container terminal where specific requests are made by shippers for shorter cut-off time.