PORT KLANG: GFG Logistics Sdn Bhd today launched its first roll-on roll-off (Roro) vessel with a load capacity 5,040 cars at any one time.
The vessel will help cater to the increasing demand for speedy and flawless delivery in the automotive logistics.
Managing director Datuk Adrian Henry D’Silva said the M.V.Grand Vision will operate on Malaysian domestic routes, calling at the ports of Kuching, Kota Kinabalu and Labuan, as well as Intra-Asean ports.
"About RM45 million has been invested to acquire this ship built in Japan, mainly to cater to demand from our customers and car manufacturers who require their shipments to be delivered with zero defects.
"This is the fourth Malaysian-flagged Roro vessel operating in Malaysia," he told a press conference before the launch ceremony at Westport here today.
He said Giga Shipping Sdn Bhd, a local company involved in the Malaysian Auto logistics industry, will undertake the role of space charterer and booking agent of the 12-deck vessel between Sabah, Sarawak and the Peninsular.
Another local company, Kawasaki Kisen Regional Navigation (KKRN) will operate the vessel on a liner basis between Sabah, Sarawak and the Peninsular, alongside the Asean ports of Laem Chabang, Jakarta and Singapore.
"This reflects the intention of the participating entities to improve the quality standard of their assets and enhance the services offered to customers," he added.
Meanwhile, managing director of Giga Shipping Sdn Bhd, Datuk Kumar Prabakaran said the automotive shipping and logistics sector is a growing and competitive market for the company.
"As such, the purchase of the vessel is timely towards providing value-added services for customers, namely car manufacturers," he added.
He said on average, his company handles shipments of more than 9,000 vehicles monthly from Port Klang to Sabah and Sarawak.
Kumar said his company provides end-to-end solutions, including sea and land transportation, freight forwarding and car terminal services from the factory floor to the dealership door.-- Bernama