By Jailani Hasan
LABUAN, July 29 (Bernama) -- Megah Port Management Sdn Bhd (MPM) today officially commenced its marine services at Labuan Port, backed by the acquisition of four tugboats worth RM23 million.
Its managing director Datuk Seri Patrick Tiong said the acquisition reflected the company’s strong commitment to fulfilling its responsibilities as the operator of Labuan Port and enhancing the safety, efficiency and reliability of vessel movements within the port limits.
“The procurement of these four tugboats is a strategic investment to support the implementation of marine services at Labuan Port.
“It demonstrates our commitment to providing the assets, workforce and operational capabilities required to discharge the responsibility entrusted to us,” he said at the launch of the tugboats and marine services at the Dermaga Merdeka Jetty here today.
Tiong said the marine services were being implemented in accordance with the marine service provisions under the recently signed Operation, Facility and Management Continuation Agreement between MPM and the Labuan Port Authority (LPA).
He said the provision of marine services was a mandatory responsibility undertaken by MPM under the agreement.
“We are honoured to accept and carry out this responsibility… the investment reflects our determination to ensure that port operations are conducted in a safer, more efficient, orderly and sustainable manner,” he said.
Tiong said the tugboats would assist vessels entering and leaving the port, including during berthing and unberthing operations and when navigating within confined waters.
The vessels would also be used to tow, pull or push ships, control vessel movements during unfavourable weather or (sea) current conditions, escort vessels within the port limits and assist ships experiencing mechanical failure, loss of power or manoeuvring difficulties.
He said the tugboats would strengthen MPM’s emergency preparedness by supporting rescue and evacuation operations and providing an initial response to maritime incidents.
Emergency Situation
“In an emergency, the tugboats can be mobilised to provide firefighting support, move vessels away from high-risk areas and assist enforcement and maritime security agencies in controlling the situation.
“This capability is important in minimising risks to lives, assets, the environment and the continuity of port operations,” he said.
The marine services cover several operational areas and major terminals within the Labuan Port limits, including the DG Terminal, Petronas Chemicals Methanol Labuan Terminal, Asian Supply Base Fuel Terminal and Shell Timur Terminal.
Tiong said close coordination with the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency, Marine Police Force and other enforcement and security agencies was essential to ensure that vessel movements, towage operations and other marine activities complied with maritime laws and safety requirements.
He said MPM remained open to guidance, constructive feedback and recommendations from the relevant authorities to continuously improve its marine operations.
“Our commitment is to provide marine services professionally, responsibly and in full compliance with the law for the benefit of port safety, industry players and the wider maritime community,” he said.
The launch also featured an emergency response demonstration showcasing the tugboats’ capability to provide an initial response to a fire incident in Labuan waters.
Tiong also expressed appreciation to the Ministry of Transport, LPA, enforcement and security agencies, industry players and the media fraternity for their continued cooperation and support since MPM took over the management and operations of Labuan Port.
-- BERNAMA