The Lekir Bulk Terminal (LBT) is always teeming with activity, more so when the Panamax cargo ship carrying coal arrives. It is the dedicated terminal to handle the coal supply for the generator station in Manjung, the Sultan Azlan Shah Power Station (SJSAS).

The vessels that typically berth at the LBT are Panamax ships with a capacity of 75,000 dead weight tonnes (DWT) and at times, the Capemax which can carry 140,000 DWT.

The unloading of coal, mostly from Kalimantan, from the 75,000 DWT vessel needs to be settled within 57 hours or around two days. It takes 98 hours or around four days to unload the 140,000 DWT Capemax.

This is to ensure that the coal supply to SJSAS, Malaysia''s largest power generator, is not interrupted as it caters to the four power plants namely Manjung 1, Manjung 2, Manjung 3 and Manjung 4.

WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARY

The LBT is 80 percent owned by Integrax Berhad, which became a wholly owned subsidiary of Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) in early 2016. The remaining 20 percent is owned by Malakoff Berhad.

The 2.7-kilometre jetty requires proper handling, particularly in ensuring that the berthing of vessels follow the procedures in order to avoid untoward incident, said the Managing Director of Integrax Berhad Mohammad Zahir Ismail.

"Every equipment including the cranes to unload coal off the ships and conveyor line that transports coal to the power plant needs to be in good condition to ensure a seamless supply," he said.

Some 10 million metric tonnes of coal are needed a year to power up the four plants and the figure is expected to increase to 13 million metric tonnes when Manjung 5 starts operation in October.

SJSAS, which is owned by TNB Janamanjung Sdn Bhd (a wholly owned subsidiary of TNB) can generate 3,100 megawatt (MW) of energy. This electricity supply is channelled to the National Grid for the benefit of six million users.

The overall installed capacity at SJSAS after the completion of Manjung 5 is expected to be 4,100 megawatt (MW).

24-HOUR OPERATION

The LBT operates 24 hours a day and can process two ships simultaneously in three shifts. Every shift has 11 workers comprising control room handlers, crane operators, support staff and dockworkers.

"At the moment, between 100 and 120 ships dock at the LBT every year and we work 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The number of vessels is expected to increase to 150 when Manjung 5 is completed," he said.

Mohammad Zahir said Integrax Berhad has also helped the station identify the main issues in the current system of coal-delivery.

It also suggested improvements and upgrades to ensure the reliability of the entire system is always at the optimum level to ensure the delivery to the coal-fired plants are smooth and uninterrupted.

He said Integrax was planning to increase the capacity of the LBT to expand its potential and attract more coal-related businesses, in line with TNB''s move to mobilise non-regulated business activities that were not bound by electricity tariff.

The increase in capacity would allow Integrax to provide regional services like the dry bulk terminal overseas that supply coal to their region such as the EMO Terminal in Rotterdam and Idemitsu in Japan.

"At the moment, we have and are also capable of handling ships carrying in bulk goods, particularly for transfer among vessels," he said.

Aside from LBT, Integrax also holds a 50 percent stake in Lumut Maritime Terminal Sdn Bhd, better known as Lumut Port. Both terminals are strategically located to provide services in the Southeast Asian and East Asian regions. - BERNAMA