RESORT-CENTRIC property developer Tanco Holdings Bhd has today (June 6) collaborated with China Communications Construction Company Ltd (CCCC), the world’s leading ultra-large infrastructure comprehensive service provider, to undertake the development of Malaysia’s first smart AI container port in Port Dickson, Negri Sembilan.
A memorandum of understanding (MOU) towards this end was inked in Beijing today (June 6) between Tanco’s 79%-owned subsidiary Midports Holdings Sdn Bhd and CCCC Dredging (Group) Co Ltd, a unit of CCCC.
According to the MOU, Midports has obtained approval in principle from the Transport Ministry of to develop the port named the “Smart AI Container Port”.
This initiative is aimed at injecting new vitality into the local economy and international trade while enhancing the region’s port services.
The construction of this port will contribute to Malaysia’s goal of establishing a modern and efficient port hub, thus accelerating economic development in Negri Sembilan and bolstering Malaysia’s global trade position.
The development is an extension to the joint venture agreement announced on Feb 27 between Midports and the Menteri Besar Negeri Sembilan (Perbadanan) for the reclamation works necessary for the project.
“This collaboration with CCCC Dredging marks a pivotal step towards realising our vision of a world-class port in Port Dickson,” commented Tanco’s group managing director Datuk Seri Andrew Tan Juan Suan.
“The expertise and resources brought by CCCC Dredging will ensure the successful implementation of this project which is set to drive economic growth and create job opportunities in the region.”
The proposed Smart AI Container Port will incorporate cutting-edge technologies to optimise logistics, enhance operational efficiency and minimise environmental impact.
This development is expected to improve maritime logistics for transhipment and gateway containers besides contributing to the development of industrial hubs and fostering economic growth in Negri Sembilan.
Strategically located in Port Dickson along the busy Straits of Malacca, the Smart AI Container Port project promises significant economic benefits.
With a 480-acre landbank owned by Tanco and natural deep-water access exceeding 21 meters, the port will accommodate the largest container ships in the world, enhancing Malaysia’s maritime capabilities and creating new industrial zones.
Meanwhile, CCCC Dredging Group’s chairman Liu Yongman expects the combined expertise and resources between the company and Tanco to pave the way for a state-of-the-art port to boost Malaysia’s maritime infrastructure and set new standards in operational efficiency and environmental sustainability.
“We are committed to bringing our best capabilities to this strategic initiative and look forward to a successful collaboration,” he added.
At the close of today’s trading, Tanco was up 4 sen or 4.28% to 97.5 sen with 18.45 million shares traded, thus valuing the company at RM2.04 bil. – June 6, 2024
