GOLD Star Line Ltd is projecting its container throughput volume at Westport to reach 300,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) for 2003, an increase of almost 40 per cent over the 215,300 TEUs achieved in 2002.

Throughput projections for 2004 will be 450,000 TEUs, an increase of 50 per cent over and above 2003 forecast.

In a statement, Captain D. Ravindraraj, group operations manager of Starship Agencies Sdn Bhd (as agents for Gold Star Line) said: "We are forecasting to have container volume of 500,000 to 600,000 TEUs with Westport within the next 2-3 years.

"To meet our goal of having the shortest period of transit time and fastest time in delivering cargo, we have chosen Westport as our port of call. Not only that, we are currently planning to move our central planners and base them here. This clearly shows our commitment and confidence in Westport," he said.

Ravindraraj said Westport is ideally located in Goldstar's butterfly loop. All cargo from the East comes to Westport and then goes to the West Asia and vice versa.

He said Westport is also a cost-effective port, and the South Channel enables deeper access to the port which can easily accommodate the mother vessels. The shorter distance compared to other ports also saves considerable fuel costs.

"Foremost, we knew from the outset that Westport has the potential to grow," added Captain I. Dafni, managing director of Gold Star, based in Hong Kong.

In 1996, he said, Gold Star had 800-TEU capacity vessels calling on Westport. Nowadays it has 2,800-TEU vessels calling at the port.

Over the years Gold Star Line has established itself as one of Westport's major business partners.

The company, formed in Hong Kong on April 24 1958, currently has 25 chartered ships, and has trade engagements in all continents, with a focus on the Asian region, West Asia as well as the West African trade.