Team Northport > March Bulletin 2

Northport to invest RM500-RM600 million

Northport will be investing RM500-RM600 million in new infrastructure development and in acquiring new fleet of equipment for the port and haulage operations. This will be done over the next two to three years said the Chairman of NCB Holdings Bhd, Tan Sri Dato’ Seri (Dr) Ahmad Sarji.

Tan Sri Ahmad Sarji said the Northport’s position as the gateway for imports and exports come with a responsibility.

“This role must be sustainable both in terms of quality of service as well as the measure of capacity.

“Northport makes no mistakes about this and sent out signals to customers that it takes its perceived role seriously and demonstrated this with the willingness to commit major investment in new equipment as well as in the creation of more berthing space and container storage yards,” he said.

New RTG’s have been acquired or ordered while new crane purchases have been included in the business plans of 2008 through 2010.

Tan Sri Ahmad Sarjisaid similar plans have also been drawn up for the creation of additional berthing capacity.

On the port subsidiary sizing up new challenges and opportunities, Tan Sri Ahmad Sarji said Northport has carried out a detailed analysis of the medium to long-term needs of the present clients and the matters that count most to them in order to maintain the present relationship.

This has been translated into the need for continuous capacity expansion as well as the alignment of services towards the operating environment of the future. Also on their list is continuous enhancement in IT applications, he said.

Northport has prepared and outlined their response plan involving the need to commit new capital expenditure on new berthing facilities and supporting equipment.

The dredging work of the North Channel, undertaken by the Government, has been positively received by our clients as they see this as removing a major downside to Northport’s competitive position, Tan Sri Ahmad Sarji.