Port Tanjung Pelepas brings its STS crane orderbook to 11

Port Tanjung Pelepas (PTP), Malaysia’s largest transhipment hub, has signed an agreement with China’s ZPMC to acquire five quay cranes capable of handling ultra-large container vessels (ULCVs).

“This latest investment in equipment emphasises PTP’s dedication to efficiently handle the rising volume of containerised cargo at its terminal, ultimately strengthening regional trade dynamics,” PTP chairman, Tan Sri Che Khalib Mohamad Noh, said.

The order was signed in early April, according to PTP.

“The acquisition of these five ULCV quay cranes symbolises a significant capacity expansion and upgrade of our equipment and facilities,” PTP chief executive officer, Mark Hardiman, said.

“This development marks a crucial advancement in PTP’s steadfast dedication to prioritising customer satisfaction by delivering enhanced capabilities and services.”

The port, which is jointly owned by MMC Corp (70%) and APM Terminals (30%), is moving forward with its ‘Ipsum Magna Programme’ (IMP) to upgrade and expand its terminal facilities by purchasing and installing a range of automation and digitisation solutions.

The latest development follows a previous agreement signed in February with Sany Marine Heavy Industry Co Ltd to procure six ULCV quay cranes. The STS cranes will span 26 rows of containers and have a SWL of 65t under the spreader. The port has also ordered 48 ERTGs from Japan’s Mitsui E&S Group as part of its modernisation and sustainability strategy.

The new ERTGs are scheduled for delivery during Q3 2025 and will be able to stack one-over-five high cube containers and span seven rows. They will be powered by an electrical busbar with a battery for travelling between different stacks.

PTP is ranked 15th among the world’s top container ports, handling 13m TEU annually.