Kota Kinabalu: Sabah Ports Sdn Bhd (SPSB) has officially handed over management and operations of Sapangar Bay Container Port (SBCP) to DP World, a global leader in smart end-to-end supply chain logistics.
Congratulating both parties on this significant development, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor reiterated that the strategic collaboration between SPSB and DP World underscored Sabah’s potential as a key player in regional and global trade.
“DP World’s investment in SBCP is a clear demonstration of their confidence in Sabah’s strategic location and promising growth prospects.
“This partnership is set to elevate SBCP into a leading regional trade hub within BIMP- EAGA and beyond, thus strengthening Sabah’s influence and role within the global supply chain,” he stressed.
Hajiji said that by improving port efficiency and connectivity, the partnership will unlock new markets for Sabahan businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises. This will empower local businesses to expand their reach and compete more effectively on a global scale, driving economic prosperity.
“I look forward to the integration of advanced logistics and smart technologies, which will modernise port operations in Sabah, ensuring that our ports remain competitive in the rapidly evolving global trade environment.”
“I commend Sabah Ports Sdn Bhd for their vision and dedication in securing this landmark partnership and laying the foundation for growth and opportunity for Sabah,” he said.
Signing on behalf of SPSB were its Chairman Datuk Hj Faisyal Datuk Yusof Hamdan Diego and Managing Director Datuk Ng Kiat Min while EVP for Southeast Asia DP World/Director SBCP Sdn Bhd, Xavier Eiglier and Senior Director Business Development DP World Asia Pacific/Managing Director SBCP Sdn Bhd, Safuan Basir signed for DP World.
Meanwhile, the collaboration, executed through a joint venture company, SBCP Sdn Bhd (to be renamed DP World Sabah Sdn Bhd), signified a major advancement in Sabah’s maritime and logistics landscape and marks DP World’s inaugural venture into the Malaysian market.
Under this partnership, SPSB and DP World are committed to establishing SBCP as a premier regional trade hub, especially for the Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia- Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA).
The strategic focus will encompass enhancing SBCP’s connectivity, operational efficiency, and terminal capacity, leveraging on DP World’s extensive global network and expertise.
The collaboration aims to position SBCP as a globally competitive port, energizing trade and creating robust links between local businesses and international market. The partnership is also expected to address the long-standing challenges of high logistics costs in Sabah by creating a resilient and efficient supply chain network.
The partnership took shape in April 2024 when DP World’s Group Chairman and CEO, Mr. Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, signed the strategic agreements, comprising, among others, the Share Subscription and Shareholders Agreement for the joint venture and the Collaboration Agreement between the JV and SPSB.
The handover of operation took place on 9th September 2024 marking the start of SBCP’s transformation and integration into DP World’s extensive network of ports and logistics network around the globe.
DP World, headquartered in Dubai, has operations in more than 70 countries and is renowned for its role in establishing Dubai as a global trade hub through the development of Jebel Ali Port and Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA).
