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MMC PORTS’ NEWSLETTER 3

FOREWORD

Welcome aboard to the twelfth edition of MMC Ports’ quarterly newsletter!

In this issue, we will share the first quarter’s insights and the In dedication to a game-changing 25 years of operations in
latest updates on MMC Ports’ activities as 2025 kicked off. the maritime space, we will also celebrate PTP’s milestone
anniversary in our bonus story: “Redefining Standards: 25
Internationally, geopolitical hurdles and fluctuations continue Years of PTP”, which details the port’s history, partnerships,
to affect world growth, resulting in a 3.1% GDP growth for and key milestones that have propelled its position as a
2024 and a similar projected GDP of 3.2% for 2025. In terms leading port today.
of shipping, volatile freight rates and supply chain issues
have persisted globally due to ongoing logistical issues, most With that, we would like to thank all our users, stakeholders,
notably attributed to challenges such as new tariff policies or and readers for all the support as we work to realise another
congestion due to the Red Sea diversions. fruitful year. Building upon the success of the previous year,
we are determined to make even greater waves for the
Overcoming these external headwinds, Malaysia saw a nation’s port industry through leveraging new innovations
stable economic performance throughout 2024, recording and optimisations.
a 5.1% annual growth thanks to strong incoming investments
and domestic demand, as well as great performances in its
services and construction sectors. This rough 5% growth rate
is estimated to continue for 2025, given improvements in
labour market conditions, ongoing investments, and increased
tourism activity. Following a record-breaking 2024 in which
ports such as Pelabuhan Tanjung Pelepas Sdn Bhd (PTP)
thrived, Malaysian cargo ports are projected to drive global
growth through this year, with early projections of 817 million
metric tonnes handled due to recent increases in cargo flow
and demand for warehousing, distribution centres, industrial
parks, and cold storage facilities.

With local growth gradually rising, the synergy between
each port and its cities is an important factor that will bolster
value for all stakeholders throughout the year. Each port’s
urban integration is detailed in our main story “Harnessing
Collaboration: Embracing Urban Integration”.

The first quarter proved to be a productive start for all ports.
Northport (Malaysia) Bhd (Northport), who had outlined
plans to improve global competitiveness in anticipation of
increased intra-Asia container volumes, is set to enhance its
terminal operations through several projects - including the
procurement of new electrified rubber-tyred gantry cranes
(e-RTGs) and upgrades to its wharf and terminal systems.
Meanwhile, Johor Port Berhad's (Johor Port) breakbulk cargo
segment recorded significant growth, achieving the set
budget targets and delivering a strong revenue contribution.
PTP had also commenced its 2025 with the acquisition of 58
eco-efficient e-RTGs, and marked a significant milestone with
the maiden call of Hapag-Lloyd’s Damietta Express in February.

Each port’s strides had been recognised through various
awards and certifications. Notably, Northport was honoured
with the Excellence in Automotive Sustainability Management
Best Practices award at the 20th Malaysia Car of the Year 2024
and recognised as one of the recipients of the Low Carbon
Zone category at the 2024 Low Carbon Cities Award, being
the first Malaysian port to achieve the prestigious 4 Diamond
recognition.