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SPOTLIGHT STORY
Penang Port is the oldest and longest established port in Malaysia and serves as
the main gateway for shippers in the northern states of Malaysia and southern
Thailand. Our terminal which is located in Penang Port’s Butterworth Wharves
handles edible oils via tankers, barges, trucks and pipeline and was built in the
1980s as part of Penang Port’s Vegetable Oil Tanker Pier development under the
Third Malaysia Plan (1975 – 1980).
The wharf structures were showing the effects of effluxion of time, chloride in
seawater as well as the action of waves and currents. Following an in-depth
inspection and evaluation of the jetty structures at the terminal, the division
undertook remedial works to restore the integrity of the structures and ensure
that they will continue to function as intended thereby improving the safety
standards of the terminal.
This 10-month project saw extensive concrete repair works to the underdeck
and support structure of the terminal. Spalls and cracks were sealed by injecting
micro concrete into the formworks and pile jackets followed by application of
protective coatings. Formwork and pile jacket system were implemented to
reduce the concrete wastage and water contamination from the repair works.
Furthermore, wood materials from formwork i.e. plywood and dimensional
lumber are reused and recycled by the contractor, thus eliminating wood waste.
The terminal remained operational while the works were undertaken. To minimise
disruptions to on-going operations and ensure safe working conditions to all
during the construction phase, contractors had adhered to detailed scheduling.
Careful planning in terms of work areas was necessary in view of the shipping
traffic which dictated the sequence of the works. Construction hours were in
accordance with the requirements outlined in applicable permits and bylaws.
There were no untoward incidents reported.
Particular challenges were the rainy weather and high tides during the works.
This did lead to some downtime during the project but there was no material
impact to the terminal’s operations overall.
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