TALK that French line CMA-CGM is in the midst of discussing a possible move from Westport to Port of Tanjung Pelepas (PTP) has been quelled with the parties involved saying that everything was fine between them and there would be no change in the status quo.

In fact, the shipping company is looking at increasing its volumes at the terminal to 600,000 TEUs this year, said Westport executive chairman Tan Sri G. Gnanalingam.

Last year, the terminal handled some 500,000 boxes for CMA-CGM, which has been using Port Klang as its main transhipment hub in the region over the past two years.

Gnanalingam added that the line would also be commencing another service at Westport in September.

This shows that CMA-CGM plans to continue growing with us. They will be staying at Westport.

“We are able to meet all their operational needs including providing them with berths upon arrival and quick vessel turnaround time,” he said.

Gnanalingam added that Westport and CMA-CGM was looking at “entering into a long-term partnership”.

PTP meanwhile, has declined to comment on the matter.”

Over the past two weeks, speculation has been rife that top guns from CMA-CGM and PTP were engaged in serious discussions overseas on the potential of the line calling at the Johor port.

Rumours also had it that PTP was keen to woo a third line, after Maersk and Evergreen, as it would by next year have an additional two berths and needed to expand its customer base.

By moving, CMA-CGM is said to be able bring some 400,000 TEUs into PTP.

When contacted, CMA-CGM Malaysia representative (operations) Kamal Wijayasinghe said he had no idea how and where such information had come from.

“There is no truth in such talk and I personally am not aware of any plans to move out at all.”

Asked if there was any possibility of CMA-CGM moving part or all of its services to PTP in the near future or if there were any such negotiations, Wijayasinghe said there was nothing at this stage.

“We are quite comfortable at Westport and our first priority is to remain there. We should have no problems in doing 600,000 TEUs this year.”

Wijayasinghe also disagreed that CMA-CGM had been encountering problems with Westport’s operations and services.

“If their services are not sufficient, how is it that we are able to increase our volumes from 328,000 boxes in 2001 to 520,000 TEUs last year.

“As far as I am concerned, we are happy with Westport and have no serious complaints.

“We are obviously looking for more development and to increase our capacity next year,” he said.

In March 2001, CMA-CGM committed itself to operating a dedicated facility at West Port following a visit by its group managing director Farid T. Salem.

The move also signalled the line’s intention to relocate its regional transhipment business from Singapore to Port Klang, which it has done.

The line’s liftings from Singapore had been eroding steadily since 1998 and the relocation was said to have provide them about 60% savings on terminal handling charges.