Largest single logistics operation in Sabah
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah will soon witness its largest single logistics operation – to transport approximately 60 mammoth storage tanks with a combined volume of 10,000 cubic metres and 500 tonnes in weight – from Sepanggar Port to SK Nexilis’ RM4.2 billion copper foil manufacturing plant in Kota Kinabalu Industrial Park (KKIP).
The vessel carrying the storage tanks from South Korea has arrived at Sepanggar Port.
In preparation for the transport of the storage tanks, the relevant authorities have issued notices of road closures and power disruption, as well as undertaken road realignment, trees trimming, dismantling of electric poles and cables for the humongous storage tanks to pass through.
The Sabah Public Works Department had previously issued a notice that the delivery of the goods involving a journey of 13 kilometres from Sepanggar Port to SK Nexilis’ site in KKIP would commence today (April 6), but was notified last evening that the operation would have to be postponed.
The major logistics operation involved two months of planning and meetings among 10 government departments and agencies as well as a logistics company.
The impressive logistics feat was undertaken by NCT Group, whose director Ng Vui Chuan confirmed that the shipment had arrived at Sepanggar Port yesterday (April 5).
He said the storage tanks had been loaded onto trailers and were ready to go at any time.
“This is certainly not an easy mission.”
He said the custom-made storage tanks were enormous in size – the largest measuring 24 feet by two feet – which is wider than the size of the trailers and even the roads.
Hence, he said transporting the storage tanks required special skills.
Ng said the company had spent almost two months planning and meeting with 10 government departments and agencies, including the police, Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd (SESB), Celcom, state Public Works Department and Kota Kinabalu City Hall (DBKK).
“Due to the size of the storage tanks, there is a need to trim the trees on road dividers and realign roads for the entire 14-kilometre journey from Sepanggar Port to KKIP.”
He said the DBKK road signages, SESB and telecommunication cables would have to be temporarily dismantled as well for the trailers carrying the storage tanks to pass.
“The police will also dispatch several teams to direct the traffic.”
Ng said the company had to dispatch 20 to 30 of its trailers to transport the storage tanks. He said the vessel had specially made the trip from South Korea from March 28 to Sabah to deliver to storage tanks.
“The transport operation is expected to be carried out in the near future.”
Ng also thanked the Public Works Department, police, SESB, Celcom and TM for their support and assistance in overcoming the obstacles to ensure the success of this mission.
He disclosed that the giant storage tanks were the first batch of shipment imported by SK Nexilis for its manufacturing plant in Kota Kinabalu.
He said there would be more rare shipments coming into Sabah as the construction of the plant progressed.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor had visited the construction site of the manufacturing plant on March 17.
The construction of the plant is expected to be completed by the end of next year.