GEORGE TOWN: Penang Port recorded steady growth across several key operational indicators in the first quarter (1Q) of 2026, reflecting continued positive momentum in cargo handling, cruise activities and ferry services.
Penang Port Commission (PPC) chairman Datuk Yeoh Soon Hin said the port handled 343,036 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) from January to March this year, an increase of 4.88 per cent, from 327,078 TEUs in the corresponding period last year.
"Both import and export container volumes recorded growth of 4.45 per cent and 5.92 per cent, respectively, indicating continued vibrancy in regional trade activities.
"The increase in overall container throughput also reflects industry confidence in the port’s operational efficiency and connectivity,” he said in a statement today.
On conventional cargo, Yeoh noted that total cargo throughput for the first three months of the year reached 8.55 million freight weight tonnes (FWT), up 17.27 per cent, from 7.29 million FWT recorded in the corresponding period last year.
He said the growth was primarily driven by increases in general cargo, containerised cargo and liquid bulk, with general cargo throughput surging 52.61 per cent, while containerised cargo and liquid bulk rose 19.32 per cent and 15.86 per cent, respectively.
On cruise operations, Yeoh said a total of 372,903 passengers passed through the Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal (SPCT) here during 1Q, representing a 39.55 per cent increase compared with the same period last year.
He said that the number of cruise vessel calls increased significantly to 201, marking a 336.96 per cent rise compared to the previous year. This continued growth in cruise activities has had positive spillover effects on the local economy, particularly benefiting the tourism, retail, food and beverage, and transportation sectors.
Yeoh also said ferry services recorded positive growth, with total passenger movements increasing 9.36 per cent year-on-year to 810,053 passengers in the first quarter.
Despite ongoing uncertainties in the global economic and shipping environment, he said PPC would continue monitoring international developments closely while working with relevant stakeholders to ensure port safety and operational stability. - Bernama
