Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia

Port Overview

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.

Facilities & Infrastructure

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).

Container Terminals

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.

Port Services

• Container handling: Managed primarily at Sapangar Bay Container Port, which serves as the main container terminal for the region.
• Cargo operations: Kota Kinabalu Port handles general cargo, roll-on/roll-off services, and dry bulk.
• Ship services: Berthing, pilotage, bunkering, fresh water supply, and medical facilities are available.
• Warehousing: On-site storage and warehousing facilities support cargo operations.
• Customs: Full customs clearance and inspection services are provided for import and export activities.

Global 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.

Port Statistics

Kota Kinabalu (Sepanggar Bay Container Port), Malaysia – Key Statistics

• TEU Throughput (2024): 501,944 TEUs
• World Ranking: Not in the global top 100 container ports
• Number of Berths: 4 container berths
• Port Area: Approximately 60 hectares
• Shipping Lines: Serviced by major regional and international lines, including Warisan Shipping, CTP Makassar, and others connecting ASEAN and China routes.