A port’s performance is defined not by the number of ships it receives, but by how efficiently and safely it moves cargo and minimises delays. Eastern Pacific Industrial Corporation (EPIC) Berhad has been shortlisted as a finalist for Best Port Operator at the Transport Expo Asia Awards 2026, recognising how its management of Kemaman Port supports the growth of Malaysia’s East Coast industrial and maritime sectors.
EPIC Berhad is an integrated oil and gas solutions provider with businesses spanning port management, marine engineering, maintenance services, and renewable energy. Through Kemaman Port, the company supports the movement of industrial goods, general cargo, liquids and chemicals, serving the region’s oil and gas and heavy industrial sectors.
Moving More Cargo Without More Vessel Traffic
One of Kemaman Port’s strongest results is its ability to handle more cargo without a comparable increase in vessel calls.
Cargo throughput rose from 4.54 million tonnes in 2022 to 7.73 million tonnes in 2025. In 2025 alone, cargo volume increased by 9.14% compared with the previous year, while vessel calls grew by just 1.66%. Average cargo handled per vessel also increased by 7.36%, reaching 15,776 tonnes.
These figures show a more productive use of existing port resources. For businesses relying on maritime transport, efficient cargo handling can make a meaningful difference to logistics planning and supply chain reliability.
Less Waiting, Better Turnaround
Efficiency also depends on how long vessels spend at port. In 2025, Kemaman Port reduced average vessel turnaround time from 154 hours to 134 hours, a 12.99% improvement. Average waiting time fell even more sharply, from 77 hours to 42 hours.
The improvements resulted from better berth planning, pre-arrival cargo preparation, workforce coordination, and equipment use. Two gantry cranes added at East Wharf in May 2024 also raised annual handling capacity from about four million to seven million tonnes.
For EPIC Berhad Kemaman Port, these operational improvements demonstrate why productivity is about more than expanding infrastructure: better coordination and equipment can also reduce delays across the supply chain.
Building Capacity for Future Growth
Kemaman Port is also preparing for rising demand. Its East Wharf’s planned annual handling capacity is set to reach nine million tonnes in 2026, 10 million tonnes in 2028 and 12 million tonnes in 2030.
Further crane installations and planned developments, including a future container yard and an East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) spur line, are intended to support this expansion. Its ability to accommodate vessels of up to 150,000 deadweight tonnes also strengthens its role in handling industrial and bulk cargo along the East Coast.
Keeping Safety at the Centre
Growth must be matched by safe and reliable operations. In 2025, Kemaman Port recorded zero Lost Time Injury Frequency Rate (LTIFR), zero fatalities and zero major incidents, alongside 3,886 hours of safety training.
Its safety performance was also recognised by the Malaysia Occupational Safety and Health Society (MSOSH), progressing from Silver in 2023 to Gold Class 2 in 2024 and Gold Class 1 in 2025.
For EPIC Berhad, these results demonstrate that port performance involves more than increasing cargo volumes. It also requires consistent planning, responsible operations and a strong safety culture.
A Stronger Role for Malaysia’s East Coast
EPIC Berhad has been named a finalist for Best Port Operator, recognising Kemaman Port’s contribution to regional industrial and maritime activity. Its rising cargo throughput, shorter vessel waiting times, infrastructure expansion and safety performance present a case built on measurable operational results.
Ultimately, Kemaman Port’s strength lies in its ability to handle growing demand while improving productivity and reliability. As development continues along Malaysia’s East Coast, these capabilities will remain important to supporting the region’s industries and supply chains.
