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Suria Capital Holdings Bhd is
actively looking for strategic transhipment
partners for its new Sapangar Bay Container Port
(SBCP) in efforts to establish the terminal as
the transhipment hub in East Malaysia and the
Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East Asean
Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA).
The ideal strategic transhipment partners are
main line and port operators that will rapidly
contribute to volume growth at SBCP. With
transhipment, the port will not have to rely
solely on import and export shipments.
The RM400mil SBCP commenced operation in July
last year.
Suria Capital’s wholly owned subsidiary, Sabah
Ports Sdn Bhd manages SBCP and seven other ports
in Sabah.
Group managing director Datuk Abu Bakar Abas
told StarBiz that the group was working towards
streamlining its port operations for Lahad Datu,
Sandakan and Tawau to be feeder ports to SBCP.
“We are working closely towards this and various
shipping agents have agreed in principle.
“We hope the additional throughput generated
through this effort will entice main line
operators and this in turn, will pave the way
for SBCP’s regional hub business,” he said.
Additionally, Abu Bakar stressed that the group
would continue to focus on organic growth for
its port operations and related services.
“We will focus on organic growth for all our
port operations business, to leverage on our
existing strength.
“We will also continue to expand our bunkering
and logistics businesses for the provision of
storage facilities and oil trading activities.
“This includes the provision of additional
logistic services at various ports to capture a
bigger market share,” he said.
He said the port expansion plan would capitalise
on the approved service project tax incentive.
Sabah Ports has been granted approval by the
Finance Ministry for tax incentive applied under
the Approved Service Project.
On future prospects, Abu Bakar said the Sabah
Development Corridor would have a good impact on
its port business as the ports would be maritime
gateways to the state.
On short term strategies, Abu Bakar said Suria
Capital planned to improve container yard
planning and focus on cost reduction for Sabah
Ports, especially at SBCP. |
