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THE new rail
link between Kuantan Port and Kerteh Intergrated Petrochemical Complex is
expected to commence commercial operations soon.
The new link will further extend the hinterland outreach of Kuantan Port to
cover Gebeng Industrial Estate and Kerteh Industrial Estate in Terengganu.
The dedicated freight train services linking Kuantan Port are expected to
commence operations by the last quarter of this year.
“We have carried out trial running at the end of August and managed to
transport 36 laden TEUs per day without any problem between Kuantan Port and
Kerteh Intergrated Petrochemical Complex,” said the Head of Kuantan-Kertih
Railway System, Anthony Williams.
“It won’t be long before the railway is fully operational and it is very
crucial that we begin as soon as possible to offer users a more economical,
safe and effective service. We are looking into a few safety related defects
along the track area and will be sorting it out soon before we run the
actual service. The commencement of the carriage of containerised
petrochemical products between Kerteh and Kuantan will provide a major boost
for freight transportation to and from Kuantan Port,” said Williams.
The project was conceived and constructed by Petronas. MISC Haulage Services
Sdn Bhd has been appointed as the operator. KTM Bhd is assisting MISC
Haulage Services Sdn Bhd with the operation and maintenance.
MISC Haulage Services Sdn Bhd, is a subsidiary of the Malaysia International
Shipping Corporation Bhd. MISC Haulage will be managing the overall service
and maintaining the system which includes 76-km of track. We will be
outsourcing the expertise of KTM Bhd, the national railway operating company
for skilled drivers and
operators said Williams.
In the initial stage, we hope to provide a daily service between Kuantan
Port and Kerteh Petrochemical Complex. A side rail track has also been
developed from the Port to the Gebeng Intergrated Petrochemical Complex.
“With two 3,500 horse power locomotives and 50 wagons, we can
provide a maximum of three round trips in two days. The service will have a
capacity for 40 TEUs per train, said Williams. |
