Westports Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. (Westports) has been named a finalist for Best Port Operator at the Transports Expo Asia (TXA) Awards 2026, recognising its role in strengthening Port Klang’s position in global shipping through record cargo volumes, improved operational productivity and long-term investment in capacity.
As Malaysia’s main gateway port, Port Klang depends on efficient terminal operations to connect local businesses with international markets while supporting the movement of goods across regional shipping routes. Westports’ port operations account for about 75% of the port’s container volume, placing the company at the canter of this trade network.
Record Cargo Volumes Amid Growing Demand
Westports handled a record 11.33 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU) of containers in 2025, alongside 12.83 million tonnes of conventional cargo, including liquid bulk, dry bulk, break bulk and vehicles. Container throughput increased by approximately 3% from 2024, while conventional cargo grew by about 5%.
The figures reflect three decades of expansion, from just 21,420 TEU in its first year of container operations in 1996 to more than 11 million TEU in 2025. Port Klang ranked 10th among the world’s container ports in Lloyd’s List’s Top 100 Ports 2025, based on its 2024 throughput of 14.64 million TEU.
This scale brings operational pressure. Westports’ container terminal operated at approximately 82% of capacity in 2025, while berth occupancy reached 84%. Managing rising volumes without compromising service efficiency has therefore become an important part of its operational challenge.
Improving Productivity Across Multiple Cargo Types
Westports’ port operations have recorded improvements in vessel handling since 2021. Average container ship waiting time for a berth fell from 16.7 hours in 2021 to 6.9 hours in the first half of 2026. Container ship productivity at berth also increased from 51.8 TEU per hour to 58.2 TEU per hour over the same period.
The gains extend beyond containers. Dry bulk crane productivity rose from 308 tonnes per hour in 2021 to 566 tonnes per hour in the first half of 2026. Break bulk gang productivity increased from 58 to 87 tonnes per hour, reflecting improvements across different cargo-handling operations.
Westports also handled more cargo with fewer vessel calls, accommodating 8,280 vessels in 2025 compared with 9,356 in 2023, even as both container and conventional cargo volumes reached new highs.
Digital systems support these operations. Its Electronic Terminal Operating System (ETerminal Plus), Automated Gate System and artificial intelligence-based container and damage detection tools help improve coordination and cargo handling. Reported incidents and accidents also fell by approximately 34%, from 791 in 2023 to 518 in 2025.
Preparing for the Next Stage of Port Capacity
To meet future demand, Westports has begun developing Westports 2, an expansion designed to double its container handling capacity to approximately 28 million TEU annually. The first phase, covering container terminals CT10 to CT13, began in 2024 with an initial development cost of RM12.6 billion. The first terminal, CT10, is expected to begin operations in 2028.
The expansion comes alongside preparations for lower-emission operations, including the planned first major deployment of 60 electric terminal trucks by the fourth quarter of 2026. Westports has also committed to achieving net-zero Scope 1 emissions by 2050.
Westports’ selection as a TXA Awards 2026 finalist for Best Port Operator reflects the combination of operational scale, measurable productivity improvements and investment in future capacity. As shipping networks evolve and demand for efficient cargo movement continues, its performance at Port Klang provides a significant case for consideration in this year’s awards.
