Malaysia Seaport Capacity Expansion

Malaysia is expanding its Port Klang container port, already the world’s 11th busiest. The new capacity and capabilities are meant to meet the demand for port facilities in the Straits of Malacca and capture spillover business from Singapore. The Port Klang Authority plans to build a third port on Carey Island as the two existing ports – Northport and Westports – approach capacity.

The Carey Island project is planned as a 100 sqkm, $6 billion mega-port facility and maritime city. It will offer an integrated base for port activities, manufacturing, and logistics, including rail connections to inland hubs. The first of four phases is expected to be operational by 2030. The port will handle 36 million 20ft equivalent units (TEUs) per year by the time it is completed in 2060.

In parallel, Westports, the largest container port terminal in the country, is currently developing Westports 2 as an extension of its existing wharves. The 15-year project will be rolled out in phases, with the first phase targeted for operation by 2028. Upon final completion, Westports will have a 28 million TEU annual capacity.

U.S. firms with expertise in architecture, engineering design, integrated maritime township development, project management, and project finance could play a key role in this endeavor. If you represent a U.S. company and want to learn more, please contact Commercial Specialist Mohan Gurusamy at office.kualalumpur@trade.gov.