SIBU: The Tanjung Manis Port (TMP) in Tanjung Manis, Sarikei, is expected to cater for at least 220,000 TEUs by 2018.
It is now undergoing expansion works in term of increasing container storage area and berthing space.
According to the Sarawak Timber Industry Development Corporation(STIDC) which owns the port through its wholly-owned subsidiary, the Tanjung Manis Integrated Port Sdn Bhd, the works are expected to be completed by 2015.
TMP executive director Sadiah Tu in the corporation’s quarterly newsletter said the port which officially commenced operations in July 2009, had achieved significant growth, especially in terms of containerised cargo handling.
“Our total throughput grew from 4,900 TEUs in 2009 to 93,000 TEUs by last year-end,” she added.
On the expansion works, she said it included extending the wharf by 100 metres, expanding the open storage area, and the administrative building, as well as the in-gate-out-gate complex.
She said the next phase of development would depend on demand for better facilities.
“This is to cater for a greater volume of cargo generated by surrounding industries such as the Palm Oil Industrial Cluster(POIC), shipbuilding, timber and the Tanjung Manis Halal Hub.
“With Tanjung Manis now developing into a new township, the port is growing in tandem with its Port City target by 2020,” Sadiah said.
TMP is a natural deep water port situated about 30 kilometres from the mouth of the Rajang River with a draught of 11 metres.
This provides a safe berthing place for ocean liners, thus making TMP the ideal gateway for trade in central Sarawak. — Bernama