New 360-metre berth to boost Malaysia’s busiest transshipment hub toward a 16-million-TEU annual handling target

The Port of Tanjung Pelepas (PTP) in Johor is set for a major capacity upgrade with the construction of Berth Zero, a new 360-metre berth that will strengthen Malaysia’s position as a leading maritime transshipment hub. The project forms part of PTP’s broader expansion plan to raise its total handling capacity to 16 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) within the next two and a half years.

Strategic Expansion to Meet Global Demand

Announced on October 25, 2025, PTP’s new Berth Zero marks the port’s most significant expansion since Berths 13 and 14 were completed in 2014. The facility will include four quay cranes and a yard ready for electric rubber-tyred gantry (e-RTG) cranes, underscoring PTP’s push toward sustainable, energy-efficient operations.

According to PTP chairman Tan Sri Che Khalib Mohamad Noh, the development is crucial to meeting rising demand in the regional and global shipping sectors.

“Demand in the maritime and port industry continues to grow. Berth Zero marks the next capacity unlock,” said Che Khalib. “We aim to fulfil customer needs while strengthening Johor’s and Malaysia’s role in global trade flows.”

Transparent and Competitive Tender Award

The construction contract was awarded to a joint venture between MMC Engineering Sdn Bhd, a wholly owned subsidiary of MMC Corp Bhd, and Antara Koh (M) Sdn Bhd, following a transparent and competitive tender process.

The project includes dredging, reclamation, and construction along the port’s linear wharf, further optimising PTP’s existing footprint for enhanced operational efficiency.

Enhancing Johor’s Maritime Competitiveness

Located strategically southwest of Johor, PTP is Malaysia’s busiest container terminal, currently handling up to 14 million TEUs annually. The Berth Zero expansion is designed not only to meet growing intra-ASEAN trade but also to position Johor as a key logistics and maritime hub in the region.

PTP Chief Executive Officer Mark Hardiman noted that the initiative aligns with PTP’s long-term vision of growth through innovation and partnership.

“This expansion future-proofs the port’s infrastructure and reinforces our position as a leading transshipment hub,” he said. “It reflects our readiness to turn plans into action and collaboration into progress.”

Future-Ready Infrastructure for Sustainable Growth

The addition of Berth Zero supports PTP’s commitment to green port development. The berth’s integration of electric-powered gantry cranes and energy-efficient systems will help reduce carbon emissions while maintaining high productivity standards.

This forward-looking approach aligns with Malaysia’s maritime ambitions and the global shift toward sustainable port operations, ensuring PTP remains competitive in an increasingly eco-conscious logistics landscape.

The Port of Tanjung Pelepas’ Berth Zero project marks a decisive step toward expanding Malaysia’s maritime capacity and competitiveness. With advanced infrastructure, transparent partnerships, and sustainability at its core, PTP’s expansion reinforces Johor’s rising importance in global trade and ASEAN connectivity.

Sources: The Star (2025) , The Edge Malaysia (2025)

Keywords: Port of Tanjung Pelepas, Berth Zero, Johor Port, Maritime Expansion, Transshipment Hub, TEU Capacity