NST, Dec 19th, 2002 - Westport expects to sustain robust container traffic growth at a rate twice that of the country's gross domestic product growth, which is targeted to reach 2.5 million TEUs next year.

Since it began operations, Westport has recorded steady growth in container traffic volume from 120,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in 1997 to 1.45 million in 2001. This year it is expected to reach 2.2 million TEUs.

"The growth of Westport requires high productivity compared to competitive rate structures, fast turnaround of ships and fast flow of the inventory of manufacturers," Westport's executive chairman Tan Sri G. Gnanalingam said.

In a statement, he said Westport is prepared to meet the growth by continuing to be supply-driven.

"However, to achieve our targets, we need continued assistance, support and improvements from the various authorities, including the Customs and Maritime departments.

"Most of all, we are very fortunate because the Government leaders and civil servants are truly appreciative of the financial implications for being supply-driven, as opposed to growth based just on demand," Gnanalingam said.

He said managing terminals, like shipping, has become a global activity and hence strategic partnerships are needed to add value and enhance the port's position.

In mid-2000, Westport formed a strategic alliance with Hutchison Port Holdings, the world's largest independently-owned port operator.

The partnership has given Westport access to technology, information technology systems and productivity ratios at 18 terminals throughout the world.

Hutchison owns ports in Hong Kong, China, Rotterdam, the UK, Myanmar Indonesia and the Caribbean.

"The ultimate aim of this strategic partnership with Hutchison is to turn Westport into a megahub that will provide efficient and reliable deepwater berthing and handling services second to none in the region.

"This in turn will enable Westport to tap into markets that were previously far beyond it's reach," the statement said.

Another key factor in the port's continued increase in volume is the strong support from its loyal customers.

A total of 24 shipping lines call at Westport on a regular basis, and among them are some of the world's leading names in the shipping industry.

These include French consortium CMA-CGM, South Korea's largest shipping line Hanjin, CSCL or China Shipping, and two of the world's largest shipping lines - Evergreen and Maersk.

Its alliance with Evergreen grew by leaps and bounds with 200,000 TEUs shipped this year, while Maersk contributed 100,000 TEUs as well as added direct calls to it.

"While its customers have acknowledged Westport's efficiency as being on par with the world's best, the port continues to be fully dedicated towards developing innovative approaches, introducing new concepts to the industry and performing consistently above the industry standards," the statement added.