Mitsui OSK Lines Urged To Consider Calling At Malaysian Ports

KUALA LUMPUR, May 20 (Bernama) -- Transport Minister Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat has requested Japanese shipowner, Mitsui OSK Lines (MOL) to consider calling at Malaysian ports.

As the 17th largest trading nation in the world, Malaysia offers a great cargo potential, he said, adding that he hoped that MOL would consider the request.

MOL recently announced a revised coverage on its Asia-East Coast South America Service (CSW), which does not include any Malaysian ports in the list.

Ong, who is currently on two-day official visit to the Port of Los Angeles, made the request to MOL when he visited its office at the port on Wednesday, a statement issued by the Ministry of Transport said here thursday.

Ong said a discussion between both parties involved mutual co-operation of shipping services between MOL and Malaysian ports.

The minister's visit to the Port of Los Angeles meanwhile was aimed at co-operation with the port on several areas in particular the latter's Environmental Management System and Policy.

The minister had also expressed interest to learn about the initiatives taken by the port and which Malaysian ports can learn especially on environmental management.

Ong said this would be beneficial to Malaysia, if the green technology practiced by the Port of Los Angeles can be put in place by Malaysian ports.

"There is now growing interest in Malaysia over environmental protection. As we make Malaysian ports more competitive, we do not want the environment to be adversely affected.

"Our local ports can look to Port of Los Angeles to learn a thing or two in this respect," he said.

The delegation led by Ong had also visited the Pacific Cruise Ship Terminal, and as a result Penang Port Commission and Pacific Cruise Ship Terminal have agreed to explore the possibility of co-operation in promoting Penang Port Cruise Terminal