KUALA LUMPUR: The Tanjung Pelepas Port (PTP) and the Port of Melbourne inked a landmark memorandum of understanding to advance sustainable, innovative, and inclusive port operations.
The MoU was witnessed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese during the Asean Business and Investment Summit here last night.
The agreement, signed under the Australia at Asean Business Mission, cemented bilateral cooperation aimed at decarbonising port operations, developing alternative fuel infrastructure, and strengthening social inclusivity across the maritime workforce.
Albanese described the collaboration as “a step toward further development”, saying that the MoU reflected both nations’ shared ambition to modernise maritime trade through sustainable practices.
“The partnership demonstrates how Australia and Malaysia can lead by example in building cleaner, smarter, and more inclusive maritime systems,” Albanese said after the signing ceremony at the 47th Asean Summit.
The pact focused on three pillars, namely reducing maritime emissions, developing low-emission fuels, and enhancing workforce inclusivity.
Port of Melbourne chief executive officer Saul Cannon said the MoU reflected the port’s commitment to shaping a “future-focused, sustainable maritime sector.”
“We are proud to work with PTP to drive meaningful change and support the decarbonisation of the global supply chain,” he said.
PTP chief executive officer Mark Hardiman said the partnership marked another milestone in the port’s 25-year journey.
“Sustainability must be rooted in partnership. The MoU highlighted how shared frameworks and joint action can deliver real results in decarbonising port operations,” he added.
The collaboration, first initiated in June 2023 through Australia’s Partnerships for Infrastructure programme under the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), builds on ongoing efforts to align port operations with global sustainability frameworks such as the Paris Agreement and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
With Malaysia ranked as the Port of Melbourne’s fourth-largest source of container imports and fifth-largest export destination, the MoU further deepens economic and strategic ties between the two trading nations.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
