Investment in Post Panamax cranes strengthens JS-SEZ ambitions and port competitiveness
Johor Port Bhd has invested RM71.2 million in two new Post Panamax quay cranes to enhance container handling capacity and support the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ). The cranes, delivered from Shanghai in September, mark a major milestone in the port’s five-year modernisation plan.
Strengthening Capacity and Efficiency
The cranes, built at ZPMC’s Changxing Island facility in Shanghai, are engineered to manage larger Post Panamax vessels. By improving vessel turnaround times and ensuring reliable operations, the investment positions Johor Port to handle rising container throughput with greater efficiency.
Long-Term Vision for Growth
Johor Port CEO Md Derick Basir said the acquisition reflects the port’s long-term vision of upgrading infrastructure to meet evolving global trade demands. The port also plans to add two more quay cranes by 2027, further strengthening its capabilities.
Complementary Investments
In June 2025, Johor Port acquired four new level luffing cranes worth RM72.3 million for its conventional terminal. Chairman Tan Sri Che Khalib Mohamad Noh said both investments align with a five-year capital expenditure plan to modernise port facilities, improve productivity, and attract new investments.
Supporting the JS-SEZ Initiative
Che Khalib added that the upgrades directly support the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone by providing world-class infrastructure, enhancing cargo handling efficiency, and creating opportunities for trade and jobs. The improvements aim to make JS-SEZ a magnet for regional and global business.
Industry Support and Benefits
Industry stakeholders welcomed the move. Dzulfariqh Abdul Manap, vice-president of the Association of Malaysian Hauliers, said the cranes would improve berth productivity, cut vessel and truck turnaround times, and streamline the cargo-handling process.
Delivery and Testing Timeline
Procurement of the cranes began in May 2024, with delivery completed on Sept 6, 2025. The equipment will undergo a 45-day testing period before being fully operational, ensuring readiness for seamless integration into Johor Port’s daily operations.
The RM71.2 million investment underscores Johor Port’s determination to remain a competitive gateway for regional trade while boosting the Johor-Singapore SEZ. For businesses across Malaysia, Singapore, and the wider region, the upgraded port facilities promise faster, more reliable, and more efficient cargo handling—solidifying Johor’s role in Asia’s logistics landscape.
Sources: BusinessToday Malaysia (2025) , Malay Mail (2025)
Keywords: Johor Port Investment, Post Panamax Cranes, Container Handling, JS-SEZ, Port Modernisation
