The CMA CGM Group, in partnership with Infinity Logistics and Transport Ventures Ltd (Infinity), has flagged off a weekly Penang-Padang Besar block train service and opened a new container deport in Penang Port, Malaysia.
CMA CGM said this service will provide new multimodal rail and sea transportation solutions to exporters from the southern provinces of Thailand who send their cargo through the Port of Penang.
Up to 100 rail containers will be available for CMA CGM shippers weekly. The loaded containers will be picked up from Padang Besar and will then depart for Penang Port to be loaded onto the CMS2 and KCM2 services provided by CNC, CMA CGM Group’s Intra-Asia specialist.
From Penang, the two weekly sailings will head to Malaysia’s top export destinations in Asia.
“The CMA CGM Group is delighted to have partnered Infinity in launching a compelling block train service and opening a depot here with strong support from the Penang Port,” said Ravindra Sahu, CEO of CMA CGM Malaysia.
“They are important milestones that enable us to streamline our customers’ logistics needs as we seamlessly relay their cargo from point to point.
“At CMA CGM, we are continuously identifying better ways to enrich and enhance our value proposition to our customers, partners and key stakeholders.”
The block train service will make its weekly stop at Penang Harbour, next to the newly opened 14,000 square-metre wharf.
Co-managed by CMA CGM and Infinity, the companies said the warehouse will feature better connectivity combined with different container handling capabilities, providing storage, repair, cleaning, washing, handling and pre-trip inspections.
With a monthly capacity of 7,500 TEU, this is CMA CGM Group’s third depot in Malaysia – in addition to two others at West Port and North Port in Port Klang.
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“Being a multipurpose port, Penang Port Sdn Bhd certainly has multiple advantages that can support the vision of CMA CGM Group and Infinity’s block train service and container depot,” said Dato’ Sasedharan Vasudevan, CEO of Penang Port Sdn Bhd.
“After the launching, the container depots in Penang Port will be one of the busiest places to come across. The design of our layout and area provides sufficient space for storage and it also promotes high-level security which will be crucial for both CMA CGM and Infinity.
“That is not all, as part of Penang Port’s masterplan, our current phase of expansion within the NBCT put emphasis on land reclamation, among those are focused on expanding our logistics warehousing efforts.
“Moreover, plans for the new gates will allow for our future volume growth – coupled with our berth expansion that allows us to cater about 2.2 million TEU in our container yard in the coming years.
“This will surely provide a significant space to support CMA CGM Group and Infinity’s block train service and container depot, as well as all of our key partners within the terminal. Penang Port is delighted to begin this exciting new venture with CMA CGM & Infinity.”
