POIC Lahad Datu Port offers support to east coast traders
Gan
LAHAD DATU (May 24): The ports at POIC Lahad Datu industrial park here are a ready and convenient alternative to merchants and shippers in the east coast of Sabah.
Traders troubled by congestion at the Tawau Port can look to the POIC Lahad Datu Port as their port of choice.
'We are seeking to clear up what we believe to be some gaps (in understanding POIC's port capacity and its commitment to complementing trade) with the port users, including the Sabah Timber Industries Association (STIA),' said Datuk Fredian Gan, the Group Chief Executive Officer of POIC Sabah Sdn Bhd.
The state-owned company, POIC, develops and operates the POIC Lahad Datu Port, which has dedicated terminals for container cargo, liquid bulk cargo such as crude palm oil, and dry bulk cargo including fertilizers.
Users of the Tawau Port, managed by Sabah Ports Sdn Bhd have recently been affected by handling congestion at its container terminal due to equipment breakdown.
'The breakdown and the resulting congestion are unfortunate. In the interim, we (POIC Lahad Datu Port) like to offer ourself as an alternative,' said Gan.
The POIC port, situated within the industrial park, has been operational for over a decade. It commenced operations in 2013 with the dry and liquid bulk terminals, followed by the container terminal in 2019. On 29th June 2022, the port was officially declared a public port which opened access to regional and international shipping activities.
Investors at POIC Lahad Datu view the port-within-a-park concept as a unique advantage for the efficient movement of goods.
'We have an experienced port crew operating an excellent set of port facilities,' said Gan; alluding to recent handling of super heavy-duty, containerised batteries for the 100MWno Battery Energy Storage System of the Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd. The system, placed at Dam Road, Lahad Datu, is targeted to begin operation this June.
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