By LYDIA NATHAN

Northport (M) Bhd has partnered Shin Yang Shipping Sdn Bhd and Harbour-Link Group Bhd to increase shipping services through Sabah and Sarawak.

Northport signed memoranda of understanding with the two Sarawak shipping companies last week to form The East Malaysia Network (TEAM Network).

In a statement, Northport said the partnership aimed to achieve economies of scale through shared vessels, terminal arrangements and networks.

The agreement is projected to increase shipping frequencies as well as reduce operating expenses.

MMC Corp Bhd CEO Datuk Azman Shah Mohd Yusof said the TEAM Network is a form of strategic planning in order to make full use of all three parties’ resources.

“The strengths of Northport, Shin Yang and Harbour-Link will be consolidated to jointly and effectively manage the shipping industry demands through strategic planning of our resources,” he said.

Northport, a subsidiary of MMC Ports, is expected to provide efficient port services and high terminal productivity. The company is involved in managing, developing and operating container ports and terminals in Malaysia.

“The alliance is expected to benefit significantly from the synergies derived from within the MMC Ports’ group through its integrated logistics value proposition,” Azman said. Harbour-Link Group is a Bintulu, Sarawak-based conglomerate involved in integrated logistics, shipping and marine, engineering and construction, heavy lifting and haulage, and property development.

Shin Yang Shipping, a part of Shin Yang Group, is a conglomerate based in Miri, Sarawak. The company is involved in the domestic and international shipping, shipbuilding, timber and property development, port- to-door logistics, haulage, warehouse, container depot, hotel, marine engineering, civil engineering and plantation.