$46m expansion to increase cargo-handling capacity at Penang Port

MMC Corp-owned Penang Port in Malaysia is allocating RM180 million (US$46million) to expand capacity to 2.8 million TEU this year.

Penang Port Chief Executive Officer Sasedharan Vasudevan said much of the work would be undertaken at the North Butterworth Container Terminal (NBCT). Container operations bring in about 68 per cent of the port’s total revenue.

Sasedharan expects construction to begin by the third quarter of this year and for it to be completed within 18 months to 20 months. 

Additionally, the port is planning to expand its cruise operations at Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal (SPCT), under its joint venture with American cruise company Royal Caribbean Cruises. 

The port will invest RM155 million to expand the berth and increase the size of the cruise terminal to handle up to 12,000 passengers at one time, up from 8,000.

Sasedharan also told local media that dredging work will increase channel depth up to 11.5 metres from the current depth of 11 metres.