Penang Port and Port Users' Meeting Report
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The port held a series of meetings and forum with port-users on the following dates:-
APRIL 28th – PORT USERS' MEETING The extension of the 600 metres wharf will be ready and operational once the Rail Gantry Cranes are installed with the target date by early next year. The 25 hectare back-up yard will also be ready simultaneously in place with 6 Rubber Tired Gantry (RTGs) to support an additional 5000 Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit (TEUs) ground slots. Other issues affecting operational flow of containers were discussed and remedial steps taken especially opening up an additional exit lane obviously with the consent of the Customs to place the required personnel. MAY 4TH – POST MORTEM MEETING ON POWER FAILURE OF 37 HOURS ON 28/4 TO 29/4 0645 on 28/4 Port’s technicians detected breakdown of one transformer and at 1035 triggered another crippling power supply to the Gantry Cranes working on vessels. The whole ship-side activities were down for 37 hours until power supply resumed at 1900 hrs May 29. Inevitably the land-side for delivery of import-laden containers was affected badly. The port has agreed to grant waiver for charges at berth for vessels and storage of import containers on case-to-case basis. Affected parties were told to write in for refund. Manual operation was also discussed and has agreed to re-energised periodically to enhance the operation @ times of crisis or distress. MAY 6TH – PORT USERS'FORUM WITH MINISTER OF TRANSPORT The usual operational hiccups were brought up for discussion and PPSB officials were told to improve according to the Key Performance Indicator (KPI). The highlights of the meeting was the issue of Port Klang port-operators pursuing for liberlisation of the rated through Entry Processing Unit (EPU) and PCCC voiced out that the gazetted tariff should stay otherwise would create havoc for port-users. Y.B. MOT confirmed that his Ministry will definitely not allowed any rates liberalization. The other highlights was the proposal of whether Penang Port should relocate, and attracted controversies. All parties cited the perennial issue of maintenance or capital dredging which the costs currently at RM 30 million and RM 350 million respectively to maintain the draft @ 14.5 metres for approaching lanes and 12.5 metres @ berth. The issue of siltation is never ending and such funding needs to be sought annually. MOT has mentioned that this matter will be placed under the ambit of the Port Master Plan study. |