AGENT CONFIDENT OF PORT GROWTH

 Kuantan Port shipping Association (KPSA) is excited at the prospects that are likely to merge from the expected expansion of the container trade, including the liquid bulk trade which is expected to generate  demand for tank containers.

 “All members of the KPSA are very pleased with the fast track berth development carried out by the concession holder, Kuantan Port Consortium Sdn Bhd,” said the President Of KPSA, Haji Syed Ahmad Kilap.

 “KPSA has worked very closely in the most cordial manner with KPC since it took over the operational activities in 1998 following privatization of the port. We act as an important platform for the shipping and forwarding fraternity in the Eastern Corridor to voice our views and interest in the development  of the port and especially in ensuring smooth flows of vessels and cargo traffic at Kuantan  Port,” said Syed.

 “Our regular discussions and communication with port officials, as well as with the regulatory body, Kuantan Port Authority, allows us to iron out common problem effectively. Communications will be further enhanced if KPC setr up a mariners center in Kuantan port where views could be exchange in an informal manner,” said Syed.

 He added the development of the state-of-the-art dedicated container terminal by KPC would further expand  the market base  as well as boost the confidence of the cargo clearing agents.

 “We welcome  the move by the Port to start series of marketing missions that would  help promote the Port as a leading petrochemical hub port of the region,” he added.

 “In view of rapid growth in  the cargo base of the hinterland, a number of shipping lines are planning to mount  new services while the existing ones plan to raise the frequency of their services. We anticipate the box traffic to grow rapidly with the commencement of commercial operation of the Integrated  Petroleum Complex and other major manufacturing  entities in the Gebeng Industrial Estate. Lately, we have also noticed that there is a sudden surge in inbound empties required by major shippers,” sais Syed.

 Today Kuantan Port has six dedicated weekly lines service. Over the period the Port has developed a network of direct links to various port around the world. On the regional front Kuantan  Port well linked with Songkhla  port in Thailand, Muara in Brunei, Ho Chi Minh  in Vietnam and Singapore.

 Kuantan Port is also the firs port on the East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia to offer connections with port in Middle East like Abu Dhabi and Indian sub-continent ports like Karachi and Colombo. Kuantan Port also offers direct connections to majors parts in Asian  like Hong Kong, Busan, Hakata and Taichung. The weekly connection is offered by Uniglory Lines with six mid  range carriers. To enhance its efficiency, the port has also taken various steps to enhance operation efficiency by introducing IT in port-operating  environment. Kuantan Port has installed fibre-optic to link the entire port and critical port operation area with Window NT operating system. The networked container  yard system is developed by Asian Business Solutions Sdn Bhd .The system has helped  to speed the handling of container boxes via the port.

 Yard planning will become much easier than previously once a direct link with Customs is established. It allows other players in the supply chain to plan ahead of the arrival and departure of ships, said Syed. He said the system will also  allow shipping agents to keys-in information from their own premises  and make changes to container status.