BY SARAH HAFIZAH CHANDRA & ALVERDTEKOSTER ANYAP
BINTULU: Bintulu Port is strengthening its operational resilience and strategic partnerships amid growing global uncertainties, particularly geopolitical tensions that continue to disrupt energy supply chains and trade flows.
Bintulu Port Holdings Berhad (BPHB) chairman Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki said while the current global environment presents real challenges, the port remains well-prepared to navigate the pressures.
He said the group has invested in systems, partnerships and capabilities to ensure operational stability and uninterrupted services.
“As Sarawak’s primary trade and energy gateway, Bintulu Port is not immune to these pressures, but we are prepared. We have invested in the right systems, partnerships and capabilities to ensure operational stability and uninterrupted service thus our customers and partners can be assured that Bintulu Port will not waver,” he said.
He made these remarks during the BPHB 30th anniversary dinner on Tuesday (Apr 14) evening.
On the partnerships front, Abu Bakar said BPHB has formalised memoranda of understanding (MoUs) with key players including Shanghai International Port Group, Sarawak Petchem and Brooke Holdings.
He said the collaborations reflect the group’s growing ambition to position itself beyond a port operator into a strategic partner in Sarawak’s industrial and energy future.
“In the same spirit, we are exploring the establishment of a dedicated Halal Hub at Bintulu Port and Samalaju Port in close collaboration with the Majlis Pembangunan Industri Halal Sarawak.
“This initiative positions Bintulu as a premier gateway for the rapidly growing international halal trade, directly supporting Sarawak’s broader trade diversification aspirations,” he said.
Noting how sustainability is no longer optional but central to BPHB’s mission, Abu Bakar said Bintulu Port was Bintulu Port was awarded the Green Terminal Label Certification by Bureau Veritas last year.
He said it is a formal recognition of BPHB’s commitment to environmental stewardship and ongoing transformation into a premier green maritime hub.
“Our progress is already tangible. We have deployed six hybrid RTGs and introduced a fleet of EV Terminal Towing Tractors to decarbonise our heavy-duty operations.
“At the same time, large-scale solar panel installations across our warehouse roofs are turning unutilised space into a source of clean and renewable energy,” he said.
Looking ahead, Abu Bakar said BPHB is exploring EV and hydrogen-power tugs to modernise its marine services as well as advancing plans for a dedicated Liquid Hydrogen plant to support Sarawak’s energy logistics and exports.
He also said BPHB is laying the groundwork for green bunkering faciltiies to serve the next generation of ecofriendly global shipping.
“All of these are aligned with Sarawak’s aspirations under the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030 and the Sarawak Digital Blueprint.
“Bintulu Port is a proud facilitator of Sarawak’s growth, and we are committed to serving that role well into the future,” he added.
