Northport completes new container yard

The state-of-the-art Block K facility, featuring 2,016 total ground slots, adds 662,256 teu to Northport’s capacity, bringing the total to 6,150,250 teu per annum. Construction began in August 2023 and completed ahead of schedule.

“The completion of the new Block K container yard will significantly enhance Northport’s overall capacity to handle higher volumes of containers,” said Tan Sri Che Khalib Mohamad Noh, group managing director of MMC Corporation Berhad.

“The project, which was completed 51 days ahead of schedule, marks an exceptional performance by the contractor, MMC Engineering Sdn Bhd.”

In line with its sustainability goals, Northport has incorporated environmentally friendly e-rubber-tyred gantry cranes into the new yard. Twelve have been procured, with the first eight expected to arrive in December 2024 and the remaining four by March 2025.

The Block K development is part of Northport’s “Reinventing Northport” transformation plan, initiated after MMC Corporation Berhad’s takeover in 2016. This initiative aims to address legacy issues, enhance infrastructure and improve operational efficiency.

Northport’s transformation efforts have already shown results, with a record-breaking monthly container throughput achieved three times in 2024. The port welcomed the MV OOCL Japan, the largest container vessel ever to berth there, with a capacity of 21,413 teu.

For the first eight months of 2024, Northport handled 2,441,706 teu, marking a 17.9% increase compared to last year, positioning it for a strong finish in 2024.

“With our achievements to date, we are optimistic that together with Westports, Port Klang will secure its place among the world’s top 10 busiest ports by the end of 2024,” said Dato’ Azman Shah Mohd Yusof, chief executive of Northport.

“This milestone will not only strengthen Malaysia’s position in the global maritime landscape but also drive greater economic growth for our nation.”