In a difficult year for the industry, in which many shipping lines and ports faced double-digit drops in volume, PTP chairman Datuk Mohd Sidik Shaik Osman said PTP closed 2009 with a container throughput of 6 million TEUs (20-foot equivalent units) – 7.5% higher than in 2008.

This was achieved with lower overall costs given considerable pressure on rates during this period, port officials said.

“We are fortunate to be one of very few ports in the world that recorded an increase in container volumes in 2009,” said Mr Sidik.

However, he predicted a challenging year ahead, with a continued focus on cost management by ports and shipping lines.