Kota Kinabalu: Sabah Ports Sdn Bhd (SPSB) is set to enhance its services with the launching of its Marine Unit.
Deputy Chief Minister cum Works Minister Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin said the division is established to enhance the ports’ offshore and onshore services and improve efficiency.
“The unit will support SPSB’s business through the provision of ancillary marine services and marine advisories,” he said after its launching, here, Friday.
“A one-stop centre has been set up to centralise processes, thus creating convenience as well as value for customers.
“This direction is in line with upgrading the port services to better serve the industry by offering enhanced and integrated marine solutions.
“Services such as harbour tugs, pilotage and towage are expected to be launched in the near future.”
Offering a diverse range of marine services, Bung said the unit’s scope will include hydrography and navigational aids, marine traffic control and marine fleets.
“Since its establishment, its key projects include structuring a team of marine traffic controllers to operate a Vessel Traffic Monitoring and Information Systems (VTMIS).”
A collaboration with Sabah Ports Authority and Sabah Ports and Harbour Department, the VTMIS functions to enhance navigational safety at Sabah’s port limits through surveillance and monitoring, increasing efficiency in traffic movement and protecting the marine environment.
“The unit has further been instrumental in the success of SPSB’s maiden entry into LNG (liquefied natural gas) bunkering operations by providing marine support services after SPSB was appointed as the main service provider for Petronas’ first LNG bunkering operations in Sabah,” he said.
In addition, the Marine Unit had successfully set up the Kota Kinabalu Port Offshore Gateway, which provides oil and gas players with a base facility at Kota Kinabalu Port.
“SPSB further sees opportunity to leverage on Sandakan’s strategic position between Australia and East Asia by providing ancillary marine services to vessels plying this busy route.”
Bung said in view of the Sapangar Bay Container Port (SBCP) expansion, the establishment of the unit is timely in order to cater for the expected increase of volume, upsizing of ships and transhipment activities once the initial phase of the SBCP expansion is completed.
“A total of RM1.03 billion has been allocated for the mega SBCP project, which includes increasing the current jetty length from 500 metres to 1km to allow for more vessels to berth. Terminal handling capacity will also be expanded from 500,000 TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit) to 1.25 million TEUs. Approximately 13 hectares will be reclaimed for this project which includes extending container yard space,” he said.
With this capacity, he said, SBCP will be able to handle fifth generation main liners to cater for its hub and spoke strategy with feeder vessels around this region.
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