Penang's ferry terminal to get a major glow-up

New Straits Times

11-06-2025

GEORGE TOWN: The Penang Port Commission (PPC) is set to undertake a major upgrade of the Pengkalan Raja Tun Uda (PRTU) ferry terminal as part of broader efforts to modernise ferry services and improve public transport connectivity across the state.
Located at the heart of George Town's ferry network, the PRTU terminal will be revitalised with a fresh, contemporary design aimed at enhancing the visitor experience and improving operational efficiency.
PPC chairman Datuk Yeoh Soon Hin said a request for proposal (RFP) had been issued.
The upgraded terminal is expected to feature a range of new facilities, including open-air parking, a sea-view observatory deck, food and beverage outlets, a garden bridge, and other tourism-friendly commercial amenities.
"The enhancement of PRTU is part of a wider initiative to improve Penang's ferry operations, which has already seen the introduction of four new ferries and upgrades to the Sultan Abdul Halim Terminal (PSAH) in Butterworth," he said.
"The modernisation of PRTU is intended to strengthen integration between ferry services and other modes of public transport, delivering smoother connections for both locals and visitors.
"This redevelopment is more than just an infrastructure project — it is a step towards improving comfort, accessibility, and the overall experience for ferry users, while also contributing to Penang's tourism economy," he told a press conference today.
Yesterday, Transport Minister Anthony Loke conducted an official visit to Penang Port.
Yeoh said that the new commercial components of the upgraded terminal are aimed at transforming PRTU into not only a transport hub but also a vibrant destination in its own right, attracting both domestic and international visitors.
"The upgrade aligns with Penang Port's broader development strategy, which includes port expansion initiatives, green efforts such as solar energy integration, and digital transformation through systems like the Vessel Traffic Management System (VTMS)," he said.
"The transformation of PRTU reflects Penang's growing emphasis on sustainable urban mobility and supports Malaysia's broader goals of strengthening its maritime and tourism sectors ahead of Visit Malaysia Year 2026."
Penang Port has recently marked several milestones, including the enhancement of the Butterworth North Container Terminal (BNCT), which now handles up to 2.3 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), with improved berth capacity and shorter ship waiting times.
The Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal (SPCT) has also been extended to accommodate Oasis-class cruise ships, enabling simultaneous berthing for up to 12,000 passengers.
Loke also reviewed the NBCT Expansion Master Plan, which spans 322.83ha through land reclamation.
Another key infrastructure initiative on the horizon is the Northern Petroleum Terminal (NPT) project — a petroleum hub in the northern region designed for bulk storage and capable of handling Medium Range (MR) tanker vessels.