KUALA LUMPUR: MMC Group's subsidiary, Northport (M) Bhd, achieved a new milestone in August 2024 by recording its highest monthly container throughput to date, handling 365,558 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) of containers.

This figure exceeded the previous record of 354,548 TEUs, which was set just a month earlier.

Northport also set a new monthly record for conventional cargo, managing 1,145,021 FWTs (freight weight tonnes), surpassing the previous record of 1,143,318 FWTs, also established in July 2024.

The port attributed the strong performance to several key factors, including a notable rise in ad-hoc vessel arrivals.

"From January to August 2024, Northport received a total of 171 ad-hoc calls," it said.

The port said that in addition to the rise in ad-hoc vessel arrivals, it has also successfully secured several new shipping services for its terminal.

"These new service routes have expanded Northport's network, allowing for a greater volume of shipments to pass through the port.

"From January to August 2024, Northport registered a total of 13 new services calling at its port," it adds.

Northport chief executive officer Datuk Azman Shah Mohd Yusof stated that the performance reflects the port's growing capacity and improved efficiency in handling rising cargo volumes.

"This achievement highlights our resilience and agility in responding to global challenges and the shifting dynamics of international trade.

"By continuously upgrading our infrastructure and services, we have solidified Northport's role as a crucial gateway for global shipping, capable of meeting the evolving needs of our customers in an ever-changing market," he said.

Transport Minister Anthony Loke, during his visit to the port on August 27, stated that Port Klang, which includes Northport and Westports, is currently ranked 11th in Lloyd's List's top 100 global ports for 2023, up from 13th in 2022.

Loke stated that Port Klang is on track to break into the top 10 of the world's busiest container ports for 2024.

Azman said the port's focus remains on sustainable growth and not just keeping pace with global trends.

"We are setting new benchmarks in operational efficiency and service excellence.

"Our strategic investments in infrastructure and technology are designed to ensure that we not only meet but exceed the expectations of our customers, partners, and stakeholders, positioning Northport as Malaysia's preferred gateway port," he said.

https://www.nst.com.my/business/corporate/2024/09/1101132/northport-sets-volume-record-second-consecutive-month