Malaysia's Port of Tanjung Pelepas (PTP) has unveiled plans to build a new berth to raise its annual handling capacity to 16 million TEU within two and a half years, reported The Edge Malaysia.

PTP chairman Tan Sri Che Khalib Mohamad Noh said the new facility, named Berth Zero, will support growing demand in the maritime sector and strengthen Johor's and Malaysia's role in global trade flows. PTP currently handles 14 million TEU annually.

The port, a 70:30 joint venture between MMC Corp Bhd and Netherlands-based APM Terminals, is Malaysia's busiest transshipment hub, located southwest of Johor.

Che Khalib said the expansion reflects PTP's customer-centric approach and aims to meet evolving reliability and competitiveness needs, while capturing opportunities from growing intra-Asean trade.

The contract for Berth Zero was awarded to a joint venture between MMC Engineering Sdn Bhd, a wholly-owned unit of MMC Corp, and Singapore-based Antara Koh (M) Sdn Bhd through a transparent and competitive tender.

The project includes dredging, reclamation and construction of a 360-metre berth along PTP's linear wharf. It will feature four quay cranes and a yard designed for electric rubber-tyred gantry cranes.