Tanjung Pelepas Port (PTP) is accelerating its green transformation and reinforcing international partnerships as it celebrates 25 years of operations. The Malaysian port has emerged as one of the world’s top five most efficient ports and continues to gain global recognition for its forward-looking approach to trade, sustainability, and innovation.
Chief Executive Officer Mark Hardiman revealed that recent high-level dialogues with the Australian government have strengthened bilateral ties, catalysed in part by the Australia-Southeast Asia Business Exchange Trade Delegation’s visit in 2024. These engagements are expected to culminate in the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between PTP and the Port of Melbourne, formalising a strategic partnership focused on sustainable port operations and digital logistics integration.
“PTP’s global outreach reflects our ambition to be not just a trade hub, but a responsible, future-ready port,” Hardiman told Business Times.
PTP is intensifying its decarbonisation efforts through both land and sea-based innovations. Key initiatives include the implementation of asset digitalisation systems, a sophisticated Vessel Traffic Management System (VTMS), and a growing reliance on renewable energy sources such as rooftop solar, solar farms, and waste-to-energy technologies.
The port has already achieved an 18 per cent reduction in carbon emissions intensity as of March 2025 and is targeting a 45 per cent reduction by 2030. This is complemented by the transition to electric prime movers (e-PMs), ongoing trials with biodiesel B20, and the exploration of green vessels aligned with the International Maritime Organisation’s Green Voyage 2050 initiative.
PTP’s commitment to sustainability dates back to 2012, when it became one of the early adopters of a fully electric fleet of rubber-tyred gantry (e-RTG) cranes—well ahead of the United Nations’ introduction of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Social and governance imperatives also underpin PTP’s transformation. In alignment with Malaysia’s Ekonomi Madani, the port promotes gender diversity in its workforce, having pioneered the employment of the nation’s first female marine harbour pilot, RTG operator, and prime mover drivers. Women now make up 10 per cent of its operational fleet.
“Our people-first culture is non-negotiable. We are committed to workplace safety, career development, and inclusive growth,” said Hardiman, noting that skills training, occupational safety, and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives remain foundational to its operations.
On the governance front, PTP adheres to global best practices. It is a signatory to the United Nations Global Compact, works closely with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission to ensure anti-bribery and corruption (ABAC) compliance, and maintains rigorous standards on labour and human rights protections.
Since its inception in 2000, PTP has evolved from a bold vision into a major global logistics player. It is currently ranked among the world’s top 15 container ports by throughput.
“We believe in transforming vision into reality. Our journey has not been easy, but it has made us more resilient. Our growth will continue to be guided by sustainability and innovation,” Hardiman concluded.
-Business Times
