Kota Kinabalu is the vibrant gateway to Borneo, renowned for its stunning sunsets, beaches, and access to Mount Kinabalu.
Kota Kinabalu is the capital of Sabah, located on the northwest coast of Borneo facing the South China Sea. As Sabah’s main port, it ranks among Malaysia’s busiest East Malaysian ports and serves as a key gateway for trade in northern Borneo. Its strategic position supports regional commerce, oil and gas industries, and tourism. The port handles approximately 400,000 TEUs annually, making it a significant container hub for East Malaysia and enhancing its importance in regional logistics and supply chains.
Kota Kinabalu’s main port facilities include Sapangar Bay Container Port for containerized cargo, Kota Kinabalu Port for general cargo, dry bulk, cruise, and roll-on/roll-off services, and Sapangar Bay Oil Terminal for petroleum products. Key equipment includes container cranes, mobile cranes, forklifts, and reach stackers. The port features dedicated berths, modern cargo handling systems, and ample storage, but does not currently use automated guided vehicles (AGVs).
Kota Kinabalu’s main container terminal is the Sapangar Bay Container Port, featuring 4 dedicated container berths with a quay length of 500 meters and a current annual capacity of 500,000 TEUs, expanding to 1.25 million TEUs by 2026. The terminal uses modern container handling equipment and is advancing digitalization but is not fully automated. Major operations are managed by DP World Sabah, focusing on efficiency and regional connectivity.
Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, is a key maritime gateway for Sabah, serving as a regional hub with direct shipping connections to major Asian ports and regular routes extending to Europe and North America. The port primarily handles container and bulk cargo, supporting trade across Borneo and East Malaysia. Its connectivity is enhanced by regional shipping lines and frequent vessel calls, linking Kota Kinabalu to global markets and supporting economic activity throughout the region.
Kota Kinabalu (Sepanggar Bay Container Port), Malaysia – Key Statistics
