Epic Bhd Launches Two Gantry Cranes, Conveyor Belt Operations To Raise Kemaman Port Efficiency

KUALA TERENGGANU, June 13 (Bernama) -- Terengganu government-linked company (GLC) Eastern Pacific Industrial Corporation Bhd (EPIC Bhd) has launched the operations of two gantry cranes and a conveyor belt at Kemaman Port’s East Wharf yesterday to enhance the port's efficiency.

In a statement today, EPIC Bhd said the two cranes started operations on May 5 and are expected to raise port capacity to 7 million metric tonnes annually versus 4 million metric tonnes previously.

He said this has tripled cargo handling capacity compared with traditional ship cranes.

“This has reduced vessel berthing period by three times, thereby increasing port throughput, cutting turnaround time and improving overall productivity," according to the statement.

The 8.2-kilometre conveyor belt completed last April which connects Kemaman Port with Eastern Steel Sdn Bhd (ESSB) factory has optimised cargo transport, ensuring smoother operations between the port and the manufacturing facility, the statement said.

Terengganu Incorporated Sdn Bhd Group (Terengganu Inc) president and chief executive officer Burhanuddin Hilmi Mohamed Harun and the EPIC Bhd director Datuk Ahmad Amzad Mohamed Hashim, who is also Konsortium Pelabuhan Kemaman Sdn Bhd (KPKSB), attended the launching ceremony.

Senior general manager of Ports and Marine Services Ashari Mohammad in his speech said the strategic partnership with Eastern Steel Material Handling Sdn Bhd (ESMH) is pivotal to support its operations to meet the growing demand for logistics services.

KPKSB partnered ESMH last year to supply and maintain two additional quay cranes at East Wharf.

EPIC Bhd said it aims to maximise the existing wharf handling capacity before proceeding with further expansion aligned with the East Coast Rail Line which will increase connectivity and port capacity.

EPIC Bhd plans to augment its infrastructure and install four additional cranes at the East Wharf to elevate the port's handling capabilities to 12 million metric tonnes a year, solidifying EPIC Bhd’s position as a leading industry player.

-- BERNAMA