Penang Port Commission (PPC) and Penang Port Sdn. Bhd. (PPSB) recently launched the Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal (SPCT) Upgrading Project at the Waving Gallery, SPCT on 1 February 2020.

The ceremony was inaugurated by YAB Tuan Chow Kon Yeow, Chief Minister of Penang. The event was also attended by Deputy Chief Minister 1, YB Datuk Ir Ahmad Zakiyuddin bin Abdul Rahman, Minister of Finance, YB Tuan Lim Guan Eng and Minister of Transport Malaysia, YB Tuan Loke Siew Fook. Also present was the Chairman of PPC, Tuan Jeffrey Chew Gim Eam, General Manager of PPC, Mrs. Monaliza binti Suhaimi, Y. Bhg. Dato’ Syed Mohamad Syed Murtaza, Chairman of PPSB, Director of MMC Group, Dato’ Sri Che Khalib Mohamad Noh and Chief Executive Officer of PPSB, Mr. Sasedharan Vasudeyan.

The event was organised according to the agreement that was signed by PPSB and Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd (RCL) on 6^th September 2018. The development project involves the extension of another 200 metres wharf to the north of the terminal. Upon completion, it will enable two Oasis-sized cruise ships to berth at a time. Other than that, the development project also involves re-structuring the original terminal to enhance the efficiency of passengers handling, development of old godowns for the purpose of commercial activities and Ground Transport Area (GTA) facility. The overall cost of the project is RM155 million and it will be accomplished in 24-36 months. SPCT is expected to accommodate up to 12,000 cruise passengers when it is fully developed, compared to 8,000 passengers for now.  

On the other note, a handling over ceremony of godowns 5,7 and 8 at SPCT was held simultaneously between PPC and Solaris Consortium Sdn. Bhd. General Manager of PPC, Mrs. Monaliza binti Suhaimi had handed over the document of godowns 5,7 and 8 to Executive Chairman of Solaris Consortium Sdn. Bhd., Tan Sri Alex Ooi.  It will involve a reconstruction of godowns 5,7 and 8. The event was witnessed by YAB Chief Minister of Pulau Pinang, YB Minister of Finance, YB Minister of Transport and Chairman of PPC.

The overall cost of the project is RM98 million, it will equipped with variety of facilities such as waterfront, cafe, souvenir shop and et cetera.