Malaysia-based Contemporary Logistics Sdn Bhd, a full service provider of ship-to-ship (STS) solutions at Johor Bahru Port Limit, is optimistic about the local STS sector and has embarked on expansion plans, learns Singapore bunkering publication Manifold Times.
“Malaysia’s offshore oil storage industry, commonly known as the STS sector, started at Karimun, Indonesia as early as 1998 and later moved on to prosper within the Johor Bahru and Kukup port limits,” shares Jeffrey Soh, managing director of Contemporary Logistics.
“Today, STS operations within the Johor Bahru port limit mainly consist of traders (i.e. wholesalers) breaking bulk cargoes from Floating Storage Units (FSUs) for loading onto bunker tankers servicing vessels calling Singapore port.
“A key advantage of engaging a ‘one-stop shop’, such as Contemporary Logistics, is the flexibility. As an owner of all facilities needed to assist in conducting STS operations, we offer minimal delay when supporting clients’ requests.”
Contemporary Logistics is a license holder of the Johor Bahru and Kukup port limit anchorages with access to an exclusive Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) system. It offers services encompassing every aspect of a ship calling a port; including:
- Agents to procure permits for each STS operation (including permits to receive bunkers)
- Pilots/Mooring masters for mooring and unmooring operations
- POAC/Safety Superintendent to oversee
- Supply of Yokohama pneumatic fenders
- Supply of Cargo transfer hoses
- Personnel transfers
- Escort tugs (RAmparts design)
- Mooring/Unmooring tugs with Bollard Pull from 45 to 65 tonnes
- Spot and term lease of FSU anchorage slots to third parties (subject to availability)
“Our ‘one-stop-shop’ solution is further able to provide Owners all the numbers for a typical Port disbursement account for each STS operation while offering only one point of contact with multiple parties – resulting in increased convenience, safety and hassle-free coordination,” explains Soh.
Soh, meanwhile, forecasts an increased demand for FSU services at the Johor Bahru and Kukup port limits.
“Though more land-based oil storage facilities are now available, active traders are still inclined to store their inventory on FSUs due to a strong business case – resulting in available STS locations within the Johor Bahru anchorage either being close to maximum capacity or fully taken up,” he says.
The observation has resulted in Contemporary Logistics welcoming its third FSU, the Singapore-flagged SA Capricorn (IMO 9230878) to its fleet. The development has led to the company increasing its total floating storage capacity from 4.4 million barrels to 6.6 million barrels.
“We received delivery of the SA Capricorn on 20 October and the FSU is expected to return to Johor Bahru for starting operations within the first week of February 2022,” notes Soh.
“As such, we are also looking for client(s) to take up this floater. We are happy to sit down with interested parties to discuss this opportunity, and share more details of our business regarding STS transhipment and storage with potential clients upon request.”
