Expansion of Port of Tanjung Pelepas (PTP)

Global trade never stands still. With international supply chains moving billions of tonnes of goods each year, container ports are the lifelines of the global economy. Among them, the Port of Tanjung Pelepas (PTP) in Johor, Malaysia, has emerged as one of Southeast Asia’s busiest and most strategically positioned transshipment hubs.

Located at the entrance of the Straits of Johor, directly across from Singapore, PTP is perfectly placed along the Straits of Malacca — the world’s second busiest shipping lane. Since its opening in 1999, the port has grown rapidly to become a preferred gateway for major shipping lines. Today, it serves as a critical link between Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, making it a cornerstone of Malaysia’s trade ambitions.

With container volumes continuing to rise and larger vessels entering service, PTP is undergoing a major expansion project to secure its role as a future-ready logistics hub.

What the Expansion Means for the Industry

The expansion reflects both local and global pressures on ports.

1. Increased capacity
   The development of new berths and upgraded terminal facilities will allow PTP to handle more than 13 million TEUs annually. This ensures the port has sufficient capacity to meet rising demand from both regional trade and global shipping alliances.
2. Accommodating mega vessels
   The trend toward ultra-large container ships (ULCS) is reshaping global shipping. These vessels, capable of carrying more than 20,000 TEUs, demand ports with deeper drafts, stronger quay walls, and enhanced cranes. PTP’s expansion will enable it to handle the next generation of mega container ships efficiently.
3. Efficiency and technology
   Beyond physical expansion, PTP is investing in digitalisation, automated systems, and smart port technology. These upgrades will accelerate container handling, reduce turnaround times, and strengthen operational reliability — essential factors in attracting top-tier carriers.

Why PTP Matters in Global Trade 

The Straits of Malacca is one of the busiest maritime passages in the world, with an estimated 80,000 vessels passing through each year. PTP’s location along this critical corridor gives it several strategic advantages:

• Capturing transshipment traffic – As shipping alliances optimize routes, PTP is positioned to capture a larger share of Southeast Asia’s growing transshipment business.
• Attracting new alliances – With state-of-the-art infrastructure, PTP offers carriers a competitive alternative to neighboring ports.
• Supporting Malaysia’s economy – Port expansion directly contributes to Malaysia’s economic growth by improving connectivity, attracting foreign investment, and creating jobs.
• Regional resilience – In a world of supply chain disruptions, an expanded PTP strengthens Southeast Asia’s resilience by providing additional capacity and alternative routing options.

 

The Push for Smarter, Greener Ports

The port industry is under pressure not just to expand, but also to decarbonize and digitalize.

• Sustainability – Ports are adopting energy-efficient technologies, electrifying equipment, and integrating renewable energy sources to reduce emissions. By cutting operational carbon footprints, they align with global sustainability goals and customer expectations.
• Automation & smart systems – Advanced digital platforms and automated equipment improve efficiency, reduce human error, and enable predictive maintenance. For PTP, integrating these technologies ensures its competitiveness against global leaders.

This evolution requires not just bigger infrastructure, but smarter, more reliable equipment — from quay cranes and gantry systems to conveyor belts and cooling pumps.

How VEM Supports Smarter, Safer Ports

Behind every container lift, conveyor system, and cooling process lies one essential element: the electric motor. Ports rely on motors and drives to keep operations smooth, safe, and efficient — and this is where VEM Solutions makes a difference.

• Durability in harsh environments
  VEM motors are built for conditions where humidity, salt exposure, and heavy-duty cycles are the norm. This ensures consistent performance even in the most demanding port environments.
• Precision & safety
  Accurate motor control enables smooth acceleration and positioning, improving crane handling speed while reducing mechanical stress. This precision contributes directly to safer, faster cargo operations.
• Energy efficiency
  With motors achieving efficiencies of up to 98%, VEM helps ports meet both sustainability targets and operational cost reduction goals. In an era of rising energy costs, this becomes a critical advantage.

Built for Ports & Lifting by VEM

VEM’s engineering portfolio is purpose-built for heavy lifting and container handling applications:

• High-efficiency motors – Tailored asynchronous designs with efficiency levels of up to 98%. 
• Compact & durable – Welded steel housing, IC01/06 cooling, and options for brakes and encoders.  
• Reliable crane operation – Precise, dependable motors for trolley travel and container crane operation. 
  
• VCS drive systems – Power range up to 690 V / 3,000 kW with advanced control options (DTC, Modbus/TCP, Profibus DP)  
• System efficiency – Up to 98% efficiency, power factor up to 0.99 (PMSM), low harmonics, and reduced losses.

These solutions are already deployed in ports across Asia, where VEM motors power quay cranes, RTGs, conveyors, and cooling systems — keeping goods moving smoothly and safely.

Enabling Port Growth Across Asia

As Southeast Asia’s ports evolve to meet the demands of larger ships, faster handling, and greener operations, VEM is proud to be part of the transformation.

By delivering robust, energy-efficient, and future-ready motor solutions, VEM supports ports like PTP in:

• Expanding capacity
• Improving safety and reliability
• Lowering operating costs
• Meeting global sustainability standards

The expansion of the Port of Tanjung Pelepas is not just a Malaysian milestone — it’s a reminder of how critical ports are in keeping global trade moving. With reliable technology partners like VEM, ports across Asia are building the future of maritime logistics.

Explore our crane catalog or talk to our team today at sg@vem.sg for more details.