Sabah Ports Sdn. Bhd is a wholly owned subsidiary of Malaysian public listed investment holding company, Suria Capital Holdings Bhd.
The agreement was signed by Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO of DP World and Datuk Ng Kiat Min, Managing Director for Sabah Ports Sdn. Bhd.
With this partnership, DP World will support efforts currently underway to increase SBCP’s container handling capacity from 500,000 TEUs to 1.25 million TEUs by 2025[2]. Investments will also be made to optimise terminal workflows, accelerate digitalisation for greater operational efficiency and to increase the port’s connectivity.
Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO of DP World, said, “With its strategic location and abundance of natural resources, Sabah is well-positioned to reap the immense growth opportunities in the BIMP-EAGA region and beyond. Sapangar Bay Container Port plays a critical role in realising these ambitions. We are honoured to bring our experience in operating ports, to support SBCP’s transformation journey. In partnership with Sabah Ports, we will apply industry-leading practices to elevate SBCP into a hub port for BIMP-EAGA markets, supported by an ever-growing network of inland container depots, industrial parks, logistics parks and free zones across Sabah.”
Datuk Ng Kiat Min, Managing Director for Sabah Ports Sdn. Bhd., said, “Sapangar Bay Container Port is an important driver of development in Sabah. As we consider the future of SBCP, we are pleased to have onboard a partner like DP World who will lend their global expertise in managing ports and building supply chain networks to help optimise SBCP’s operations, which in turn will catalyse increased trade through Sabah and benefit communities and businesses around the state.”
“The synergy with DP World can potentially address the challenges of high logistics cost faced in Sabah, through the establishment of a strong shipping network and expansion of cargo base. The venture is expected to not only impact Sabah’s shipping and logistics industry but will also lead to economic growth in view of market confidence, thus attracting economic investments and infrastructural upgrades in transport, logistics and along the supply chain,” she continued.
This is a new milestone in the long-term collaboration between DP World and Sabah Ports. In 2019, the two parties signed an agreement to jointly develop solutions to enhance SBCP’s competitiveness and drive cargo creation in Sabah’s hinterlands. In the long run, the vision of the collaboration is to improve landside and seaside connectivity throughout Sabah, reduce transit costs and time, and raise performance standards across the state’s entire supply chain.
Sabah has huge potential as a destination for business and industrial development. Within just a 5-day sail-time radius from the state is an area home to more than 2.2 billion people and accounting for over 40% of global manufacturing output. Sabah is also rich in natural resources, such as timber and oil. Its fisheries sector holds particular importance and was the second largest contributor to Sabah’s GDP in 2022[3]. With projected enhancements to SBCP’s cold chain storage and transport capabilities, such agricultural products can be more seamlessly processed and exported to international markets, thereby opening new avenues for growth.
