The Port of Penang is an international seaport located strategically in the Straits of Malacca. It has been servicing worldwide shipping since the 18th century. Established primarily to facilitate exotic spice trading, the port has since evolved to become a modern, high volume centre in Asia, offering a variety of facilities and modern equipment to handle containers, liquid bulk cargo, dry bulk cargo and general cargo.

The port is connected by a good network of road and rail to its hinterland via the North-South Expressway from the Malaysia-Thai border to the Malaysia-Singapore border.

A 2.5km railway track links the North Butterworth Container Terminal to the Butterworth railway station. The Bayan Lepas airport is only 40km away from the port and can be reached within 30 minutes.