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Borneo Post
5 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Charting green course: Is Malaysia steering towards zero-emission ports?
Sabah Ports Sdn Bhd has already demonstrated foresight with initiatives like solar power installations in Tawau and the exploration of electrified Rubber-Tyred Gantry Cranes (e-RTGs) at Sapangar Bay Container Port. The global maritime industry is abuzz with a powerful new vision: the zero-emission container port. This isn't a distant dream, but a pressing global mandate, championed by alliances like the Zero Emission Port Alliance (ZEPA). The question for Malaysia, strategically positioned along the world's busiest shipping lanes, is whether we are truly pulling our weight in this critical race. Malaysia has undeniably begun its journey towards greener ports, taking tangible steps and laying crucial groundwork. However, these efforts remain incremental, often confined to pilot projects, facing considerable hurdles before a systemic shift can be achieved. A cornerstone of zero-emission ports is the transition to Battery-Electric Container Handling Equipment (BE-CHE). Here, Malaysia shows promise. Westports Malaysia has emerged as a clear leader, implementing significant pilot projects with battery-electric Rubber-Tyred Gantry Cranes (e-RTGs) and terminal tractors, directly slashing diesel consumption and emissions. The Port of Tanjung Pelepas (PTP) is also actively exploring electrification. Meanwhile, Sabah Port Sdn Bhd has wisely pursued solar power installations for its warehouses in Tawau and is pursuing similar initiatives at Kota Kinabalu Port. However, it has been forced to slow down due to bureaucracy within the Energy Commission of Sabah (ECoS) in approving the project. The challenge remains scaling these successful pilots to a complete replacement of existing fleets, a feat still being pioneered globally by leaders like Yantai Port in China and European ports such as Gothenburg and Hamburg. Besides focusing on equipment, people are starting to pay more attention to using cleaner fuels like hydrogen to cut down pollution from shipping and trucks. Malaysia has some big advantages, like lots of untapped renewable energy and government support. For example, Sarawak is testing hydrogen-powered buses. Malaysia has a national plan (called the Hydrogen Economy and Technology Roadmap) to become a hydrogen exporter by 2050. But for now, there are still big challenges to get hydrogen or ammonia fueling stations running on a large scale — things like making 'green' hydrogen, ensuring safety, and managing costs. Meanwhile, making all the port trucks (drayage trucks) switch to cleaner energy is a huge task that's barely started. On the governance side, big companies like Westports and PTP regularly share reports on how they plan to reduce emissions. The National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR) outlines the country's overall plan to support green transport and hydrogen development. However, there are still no detailed, cost-effective, port-specific plans that spell out exactly how to get to zero emissions, including clear targets and deadlines. Translating these broad national goals into real, mandatory steps and investments at each port still needs more work. Perhaps Malaysia's most significant gap lies in shore power, or 'cold ironing.' This technology, allowing berthed ships to plug into the grid and switch off polluting engines, is notably absent in our container ports. High capital costs and complex coordination have stalled progress, leading to continued emissions of local air pollutants (SOx, NOx, PM) and CO2 from vessels at berth – a major missed opportunity. While Malaysian ports are engaged in broader sustainability efforts, these alone will not achieve zero emissions. The core focus must be on intensifying emissions from primary sources: equipment, ships and land transport. And while collaboration exists, it needs to deepen into active partnerships for co-investment in shared infrastructure and enforceable standards. The road ahead is fraught with challenges: the enormous cost of transformation, the need for robust infrastructure, and reliance on evolving technology. Most critically, collaboration needs to become more formalized and action-oriented across all stakeholders – government, port authorities, operators, shipping lines and energy providers. Malaysia's efforts are a meaningful start, but they are preliminary. The urgency of the climate crisis and the ambitions of leading global ports demand a decisive leap beyond incrementalism. To truly contribute its fair share, Malaysia needs: · Mandatory Shore Power Roadmaps: Policy must drive installation, with incentives leading to mandates. · Accelerated Fleet Electrification: Move beyond pilots to comprehensive, funded programs for all major terminals and targeted efforts for zero-emission drayage trucks. ·From Hydrogen Strategy to Port Pilots: Translate national strategy into concrete, funded pilot projects for green hydrogen production and bunkering infrastructure. ·Binding Port-Specific Zero-Emission Roadmaps: Each major port must publish a detailed, costed, time-bound roadmap, integrated into its master plan. ·Enhanced Collaboration Ecosystem: Establish formalized platforms for co-investment in shared infrastructure and coordinated action among all stakeholders. Malaysia has the foundational elements and the will. But transforming our vital maritime gateways into true zero-emission hubs requires significantly escalated ambition, bolder policy, massive, targeted investment, and unprecedented industry-wide cooperation. This is not a challenge for Westports or PTP alone; it's a national endeavor that extends to every corner of our maritime landscape, including the crucial ports of Sabah. With its strategic location at the heart of the BIMP-EAGA region and its growing economic importance, the push for green ports is particularly vital for Sabah. Sabah Ports Sdn Bhd has already demonstrated foresight with initiatives like solar power installations in Tawau and the exploration of electrified Rubber-Tyred Gantry Cranes (e-RTGs) at Sapangar Bay Container Port. These early steps, though pilot in nature, show a commitment to environmental responsibility. However, the path to a truly zero-emission future for Sabah's ports – from the bustling Sapangar Bay to the smaller yet critical gateways like Tawau and Sandakan – will demand a significant acceleration of these efforts. It means overcoming challenges in infrastructure, attracting green investments, and ensuring policies are tailored to Sabah's unique geography and operational needs. The vibrant blue waters surrounding Sabah, a crucial part of its identity and economy, underscore the urgent need for its ports to lead by example in maritime decarbonization. The journey has begun, but the pace must quicken dramatically across the entire nation, including the unique and vital contributions of Sabah's ports, if we are to truly embrace the green horizon and secure a sustainable future for our seas and our economy.
Borneo Post
23-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Sabah Ports reaffirms commitment to Tawau Port
KOTA KINABALU (May 23): Sabah Ports Sdn Bhd (SPSB) is addressing recent concerns raised by the Sabah Timber Industries Association (STIA) regarding operational challenges at Tawau Port. In line with its commitment to transparency and collaboration, SPSB held a stakeholder engagement session on May 14 in Tawau, attended by representatives from STIA, the Tawau Chinese Chamber of Commerce, the Sabah Shipping Agents Association and the Tawau Forwarding & Lorry Association, alongside officials from the Sabah Ports Authority and SPSB senior management. The session focused on immediate and long-term solutions, including the procurement of two new ship-to-shore gantry cranes, expected to arrive later this year. 'As of 2pm on May 22, one crane has been fully restored and operational, with all safety systems in place. Work on the second crane is ongoing, supported by internal engineers, independent crane specialists, and technical experts from the original manufacturer. Safety and operational sustainability remain our top priorities,' SPSB said in a statement today. SPSB added it had committed to prioritizing 200 STIA containers scheduled for May 24, with interim measures in place, including the use of shipboard cranes if port cranes were unavailable. While SPSB upheld its part of the agreement, the shipment was canceled due to the shipping line omitting Tawau from its schedule — a factor beyond its control. 'We disagree with claims that temporary equipment issues are the sole cause of backlogs, as alternative solutions were discussed and SPSB maintained operational readiness. We encourage STIA members to diversify shipping partners to reduce reliance on a single provider,' said SPSB. As a self-funded port operator, SPSB said it is investing RM70 million in two new quay cranes to enhance Tawau Port's capacity and reliability. 'We remain committed to transparency, stakeholder engagement, and uninterrupted service,' said the company. Its immediate focus is on fully restoring the second crane, ensuring smooth operations with the currently functional crane and maintaining open communication with all stakeholders. 'We will continue providing updates and welcome further engagement with STIA and industry partners,' said SPSB. STIA president Tan Peng Juan said on Thursday that the critical issues affecting Tawau Port remain unresolved to this day, impacting both outbound and inbound cargo and causing severe economic challenges. 'We were given assurances by Sabah Ports Sdn Bhd and the relevant authorities during the stakeholders' dialogue on 14 May 2025. Sabah Ports also assured us, in a letter dated 16 May 2025, that the facility would become operational within three to four days,' he said in a statement. He added that STIA met with Deputy Chief Minister III Datuk Shahelmey Yahya, who is also Sabah Works Minister, in a meeting last week attended by representatives from Sabah Ports Sdn Bhd, the Sabah Ports Authority, the Sabah Freight Forwarders & Logistics Association and the Sabah Shipping Agents Association. 'During the session, stakeholders were given assurances that crane repairs at Tawau Port would be completed and full operations would resume by 21 May 2025. It was stated that the expert technical team assigned to carry out the crane repairs was making steady progress, with ongoing work focused on restoring the equipment to full operational capacity as soon as possible,' said Tan. 'Unfortunately, to date, the promised restoration has not materialised, and there has been no positive official update on a revised timeline. This continued inaction has further strained industry players and heightened frustrations among exporters, who continue to face costly delays and operational setbacks,' he lamented.
Daily Express
23-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Mounting losses over inaction
Published on: Friday, May 23, 2025 Published on: Fri, May 23, 2025 Text Size: Tan (left) and cargo containers piling up at the Tawau Port. Kota Kinabalu: Timber exporters in Sabah are facing escalating financial losses as operational issues at Tawau Port remain unresolved, despite repeated assurances from authorities that repairs would be completed by this week. The Sabah Timber Industries Association (STIA) expressed frustration, Thursday, as promises made during a high-level stakeholder meeting on May 14 have not materialised, leaving the industry in continued crisis. Following a meeting with Deputy Chief Minister III Datuk Shahelmey Yahya last week, industry players were assured that crane repairs at Tawau Port would be completed and full operations would resume by May 21. However, as at press time, the promised restoration has not happened. 'There has been no positive official update on the revised timeline,' said STIA President Tan Peng Juan. 'This ongoing inaction has further strained industry players and heightened frustrations among exporters who continue to face costly delays,' he said. Advertisement The port's problem stems from the breakdown of its only two operational cranes, with one remaining non-functional for over a year. This has rendered Tawau Port virtually inoperable, creating a bottleneck for the State's timber trade. The situation has deteriorated, with 87 containers currently stranded at the port and another 99 awaiting shipment. The congestion has become so severe that at least two vessels have decided to delay or skip Tawau port entirely over the past three days. This operational paralysis is forcing exporters to seek costly alternatives. Many are now transporting containers to Kota Kinabalu at a steep cost of RM4,000 per container, escalating production expenses. Sabah Ports Sdn Bhd's proposal to redirect shipments to Sandakan Port has been rejected by the association as impractical. STIA argues that Sandakan Port cannot handle the additional cargo volumes, while the high trucking costs make the option financially prohibitive. Transportation costs to Sandakan are about RM3,000 per 40-foot container and RM2,000 per 20-foot container, excluding additional expenses such as customs documentation, container movement fees and other discharge costs. The port disruption is affecting both outbound and inbound cargo, creating broader economic challenges for Tawau. With supply chains stalled and trade activities hampered, local businesses and residents are bearing the brunt of the operational failures. Exporters are incurring additional demurrage and container storage costs, while buyer confidence continues to erode due to persistent delays. STIA called for immediate action from Sabah Ports, demanding transparent updates on crane repair status and realistic timeline, deployment of temporary equipment to alleviate congestion and weekly progress reports to stakeholders for accountability. 'Without urgent intervention and concrete progress, Tawau Port risks long-term reputational damage and further deterioration in trade activity,' said Tan. The association expressed appreciation for Shahelmey's commitment to monitor the situation closely, while urging Sabah Ports Sdn Bhd to take serious remedial action. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
