22 December 2023 (Lloyd's List) - PORT of Antwerp-Bruges International says it plans to help develop Malaysia’s western port of Lumut into a maritime hub. 

Lumut was chosen for its strategic location in the Strait of Malacca between Kuala Lumpur in the south and Penang in the north.

Port of Antwerp-Bruges International, a subsidiary unit of the Belgian port, has set up a company with the state-owned Perak State Development Corporation. It will offer the Malaysian port its experience in project and port management to develop what it calls for now a Lumut Maritime Industrial Cluster.

The company was handed a €1.9m ($2.09m) grant from the European Commission for feasibility studies in Lumut.

“Four studies on Malaysia are currently under way, laying the groundwork for a targeted approach in 2024,” said Port of Antwerp-Bruges International in a statement.

“In the coming year, efforts will focus on Lumut and whether this port can become the gateway for Europe.” 

Port of Antwerp-Bruges International was set up to offer consulting, management services, investment and training to other ports. This is its first major project in Southeast Asia after embarking on similar projects in Oman and Namibia.