Northport (M) Bhd, a member of MMC Group, has achieved a significant milestone as Taiwan-based shipping lines Wan Hai Lines (M) Sdn Bhd and Interasia Lines (M) Sdn Bhd recorded a combined throughput of two million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) at the port within a single year.
MMC Port Holdings Sdn Bhd CEO Datuk Azman Shah Mohd Yusof said Wan Hai has recorded remarkable growth since achieving its one-million-TEU milestone in 2015 at Northport.
Meanwhile, Interasia has established a strong presence and is steadily increasing its market share at Northport.
“We extend our heartfelt congratulations to both Wan Hai and Interasia on this significant achievement of two million TEUs.
“This milestone reflects the growing strength and potential of intra-Asia trade and we remain steadfast in our commitment to supporting the expansion plans of our partners,” he said in a statement.
Azman Shah added that this achievement is a testament to Northport’s importance as one of the main ports in the region.
He said the growth also highlights Wan Hai and Interasia’s successful expansion and strong maritime logistics strategy.
“We are committed to providing top-tier port services and facilities to achieve continuous productivity improvement to support our customers’ growth.”
Commenting further, Azman Shah said Northport continues to invest in infrastructure and facilities to remain competitive in the global maritime industry.
Recently, he said Northport announced the acquisition of four units of Super Post Panamax Container Handling ship-to-shore gantry cranes from Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries Co Ltd to enhance its terminal handling capacity and improve operational efficiency.
“Our continued commitment to enhancing port infrastructure and facilities demonstrates our unwavering dedication to meeting the evolving needs of global shipping lines.
“We aim to create a seamless experience for our customers, enabling them to benefit from increased productivity, operational excellence and improved connectivity,” he added.
Moreover, Wan Hai Lines Malaysia chief representative Marvin Lin said Northport and Wan Hai have shared a strong partnership since 1989, navigating decades of growth and challenges together, particularly in the aftermath of the pandemic.
During this time, the global shipping industry experienced significant changes, including fluctuations in space availability and container supply, which presented new challenges.
“Wan Hai and Northport have worked hand in hand to adapt and address these challenges effectively. Port Klang remains a crucial transshipment hub for Wan Hai and we are delight- ed to celebrate this remarkable achievement of two million TEUs with Northport.
“With the addition of our newly built vessels in the coming years, we are confident that Wan Hai and Northport will continue to grow and embark on an exciting new chapter together.”
On the other hand, Interasia Lines Taiwan president Jeff Lo ex-pressed Interasia Lines’s appreciation of the consistent support and service provided by Northport throughout their partnership.
He said over the years, Northport has demonstrated a strong commitment to operational excellence, making it an important partner in Interasia Line’s growth journey.
“We remain enthusiastic and optimistic about the future and we look forward to continuing our collaboration with Northport and MMC Ports to achieve even greater success together,” he said.
Lo also mentioned that Wan Hai currently has 15 services calling at Northport, while Interasia has 11 services calling at Northport with various partner groups, including Wan Hai; KMTC Line (M) Sdn Bhd; Sinokor Malaysia Sdn Bhd; Unifeeder Malaysia Sdn Bhd; Cosco Shipping Lines (M) Sdn Bhd; BTL Shipping & Forwarding Sdn Bhd; and Ocean Network Express (M) Sdn Bhd.
From January to November 2024, Wan Hai and Interasia recorded throughput growth of 11% and 15% respectively, at Northport compared to the same period in 2023.
Meanwhile, Azman Shah, who was the former Northport CEO, assumed his new role as MMC Ports CEO, a holding company within MMC Group, effective Dec 1.
Additionally, Northport signed an agreement to acquire four Super Post Panamax Container Handling ship-to-shore gantry cranes (Quay Cranes) from Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries Co Ltd on Dec 16.
This acquisition highlights Northport’s strategic commitment to bolstering its terminal handling capabilities and accommodating larger, more advanced container vessels.
The new Quay Cranes, equipped with state-of-the-art features such as twin-lift handling and capacities of up to 65 tonnes, will enhance Northport’s ability to efficiently manage Ultra Large Container Vessels.
Manufacturing of the cranes is set to begin in December 2024, with delivery anticipated in the second quarter of 2026.
This investment aligns with Northport’s “Reinventing North- port” programme, which focuses on upgrading infrastructure, enhancing equipment and meeting the evolving needs of the global shipping industry.
