WESTPORT, which can handle three million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) currently, will be able to handle four million TEUs by the year-end, its chief operations manager Ennarasu Karunesan said.

By 2007, it will have the capacity to handle six to seven million TEUs, he added.Westport, hailed as a 21st century port, is operated by Kelang Multi Terminals Sdn Bhd.Ennarasu was responding to questions ahead of his participation in the Asia Pacific Maritime (APM) conference and show that is being held in Singapore from today until Friday.

According to Ennarasu, Malaysia's container growth has been exponential, from 2.5 million TEUs moved in 1996 to 10.8 million TEUs last year.Similarly, he said, total world container throughput has been vigorous, as shown by the 20 million TEUs handled in 1980 to 230 million TEUs in 2000.

"It is anticipated that total world container throughput in 2020 will grow to two billion TEUs. Container volumes are seeing multi-dimensional growth. Today, 95 per cent of the world's cargo is transported by sea, 3 per cent by air and 2 per cent by rail. "However, 65 per cent of ships spend their time at ports. If we can reduce this to 50 per cent, shipping lines and ports will all make (more) money," he said.On the APM event, he said participants will be able to acquire indepth knowledge of free-trade agreements and their impact on Asian countries and be updated on maritime issues."We all are well aware that growth in China's maritime trade will have a great impact on other Asian countries.

"Malaysia's export potential is now surging and it will have more trading partnerships with all Asian countries, especially China and India, two very fast-growing economies."Ennarasu also said that the maritime industry, especially port operators, are now faced with the issue of implementing the International Ship and Port Facility Security (lSPS) Code and the Container Security Initiative (CSI).

He said Westport has implemented a contactIess Smartcard Clearance System for hauliers, which has resulted in tighter security and integrated security control."Our automated boom barrier gate will be ready next month. All these systems ensure that only authorised users can gain access to the port.

"We are also fitted with CCTV (closed-circuit television) at all entries for total security for port users. All these are compliant with ISPS and CSI, making Westport on par with other international ports."

Ennarasu said the APM will benefit Westport in exploring the latest port-handling equipment, systems and technologies.

"We would like to see product segments of crane equipment and services, port and harbour navigational services, port and terminal equipment, port repair facilities, port services, and tug and pilot boat services."