Bintulu, Malaysia

Port Overview

Bintulu is a major coastal port city in central Sarawak, Malaysia, located on the island of Borneo along the South China Sea. It ranks as one of Malaysia’s key ports and is the second-largest city in Sarawak. Strategically positioned near major offshore natural gas fields, Bintulu serves as Malaysia’s principal liquefied natural gas (LNG) export hub and is vital for the country’s energy sector. The port handles an annual container throughput of approximately 400,000 TEUs, supporting both regional trade and industrial growth.

Facilities & Infrastructure

Bintulu Port features the Bintulu International Container Terminal (BICT), a major LNG export terminal, and Samalaju Industrial Port for dry bulk cargo. Key facilities include deepwater berths, container yards, and specialized terminals for oil and condensate. The port is equipped with container cranes, bulk cargo conveyors, and modern cargo handling equipment. Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) are used to enhance operational efficiency, supporting high-volume container and bulk cargo operations.

Container Terminals

Bintulu Port’s container terminal features 3 berths with a total berth length of approximately 600 meters and an annual handling capacity of around 500,000 TEU. The terminal is semi-automated, equipped with post-Panamax gantry cranes, rubber-tyred gantry cranes, and modern container handling systems. Major operators include Bintulu Port Holdings Berhad, with mainline and feeder services provided by Evergreen, Harbour Link, Hubline, and other regional carriers.

Port Services

• Container handling: Dedicated container terminal for import/export, including loading, unloading, and storage.
• Cargo operations: Handles dry bulk, liquid bulk, LNG, breakbulk, and general cargo with modern equipment.
• Ship services: Marine pilotage, tug assistance, bunkering, limited ship repairs, and provisions supply.
• Warehousing: On-site storage facilities for various cargo types, including bonded and general warehousing.
• Customs: Full customs clearance and brokerage services for import/export cargo.

Global Connectivity

Bintulu Port in Malaysia is a key gateway for Sarawak and the BIMP-EAGA region, serving East Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia, and the Philippines. It connects to major ports such as Port Klang, Singapore, and regional hubs via intra-Asian shipping routes. The port is a major LNG export terminal and handles container, bulk, and general cargo, supporting industries in Sarawak and facilitating trade to global markets including the Far East and Europe.

Port Statistics

Bintulu Port, Malaysia – Key Statistics (2025):

• TEU Throughput: Approximately 1.05 million TEU (Q1 2025 annualized)
• World Ranking: Not in the global top 50 container ports
• Number of Berths: 15
• Port Area: 965 hectares
• Shipping Lines: Served by major global and regional carriers, including Maersk, MSC, Evergreen, and regional lines

Bintulu is Malaysia’s main LNG export port and a key multipurpose gateway for Sarawak.