PTP strengthens global ties, powers ahead on green port ambitions

New Straits Times

4 days ago

JOHOR BARU: Tanjung Pelepas Port (PTP) is deepening its international partnerships and accelerating its green transformation as it marks 25 years of operations, emerging as one of the world's top five most efficient ports.
PTP chief executive officer Mark Hardiman said recent high-level engagements with the Australian government have catalysed deeper bilateral ties, particularly following last year's visit by the Australia-Southeast Asia Business Exchange Trade Delegation.
He said the engagement with the Australians, had paved the way for a strategic partnership between PTP and the Melbourne, with both parties poised to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to formalise collaboration in sustainable port operations and digital logistics.
"PTP's global outreach reflects our ambition to be not just a trade hub, but a responsible, future-ready port," Hardiman told Business Times.
PTP is aggressively advancing its decarbonisation agenda through land and sea-based innovations, which includes asset digitalisation systems, a Vessel Traffic Management System (VTMS), and a switch to renewable energy via rooftop solar, solar farms, and waste-to-energy projects.
Hardiman said the port has already slashed its carbon emissions intensity by 18 per cent as of March 2025, and is targeting a 45 per cent reduction by 2030.
While, on the fleet side, PTP is transitioning to electric prime movers (e-PMs), and exploring biodiesel B20 use and green vessels aligned with the International Maritime Organisation's Green Voyage 2050 initiative.
Significantly, PTP's sustainability push began in 2012, well before the United Nations introduced the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) - with the deployment of a full fleet of electric rubber-tyred gantry (e-RTG) cranes.
PTP's transformation also rests on social and governance pillars. In line with Malaysia's Ekonomi Madani, it actively promotes gender diversity, employing the country's first female marine harbour pilot, RTG operator, and female prime mover drivers, who now comprise 10 per cent of the fleet.
"Our people-first culture is non-negotiable. We are committed to workplace safety, career development, and inclusive growth.
"Workplace safety, skills development, and Corporate Social Responsibility engagement also anchor PTP's people-first approach," he said.
Governance-wise, the port upholds international standards as a signatory to the United Nations Global Compact, works with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission on ABAC compliance, and commits to labour and human rights protections.
Since its establishment in 2000, PTP has grown from a bold idea into a global player. It is now ranked among the Top 15 container ports globally by throughput.
"We believe in transforming vision into reality. Our journey has not been easy, but it has made us more resilient. Our growth will continue to be guided by sustainability and innovation," he added.