In a bold stride towards economic growth and regional development, the Miri Port in Kuala Baram is set to undergo a transformative upgrade. This development will see the port evolve into a deep-sea port capable of handling a diverse range of cargo as well as cruise vessels, according to Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas. This ambitious project, spearheaded by the Miri Port Authority (MPA), aims to resolve the longstanding shallow draft issue at the Kuala Baram River mouth through an extensive dredging initiative.
During a recent contract signing ceremony, Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah announced that the dredging project was officially handed over to the appointed contractor last month.
“The concept of deepening the access channel and constructing training bunds has been successfully implemented in major ports around the world, including Rotterdam, Miami, Adelaide, and Shanghai,” he explained.
“Similar to the challenges faced by the Shanghai riverine ports 22 years ago, our project at Kuala Baram involves the construction of training bunds over a 12 km stretch to ensure a navigation depth exceeding 25 meters.”
Strategic International Collaboration
The RM208.9 million project represents a significant collaboration between international and local expertise. The project contractor, a joint venture between China Communications Construction Company (CCCC) and Rimbun Prima Sdn Bhd (RPSB), will construct the training bunds – 6 km on each side of the channel – to facilitate effective flushing of the dredged channel. This effort is expected to greatly enhance the port’s sports capacity and efficiency, setting a new standard for maritime operations in the region.
Economic and Employment Boost
The project is poised to substantially boost the local economy, creating a wave of new job opportunities.
Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah emphasised the potential economic spin-offs, noting, “Miri Port will be able to contribute towards the state’s economic growth besides offering economic spin-offs to logistics, business distribution, warehouses and so on. This project will stimulate more investment for the northern region in Sarawak in line with our aspiration to become a prosperous and developed state.”
The deepening of the port’s access channel is expected to lower shipping costs, which can lead to reduced prices for goods. This will make Miri an attractive destination for maritime traffic and benefit consumers in the region.
Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah elaborated, “This dredging project will also greatly benefit the northern region of Sarawak by improving shipping efficiency due to the deeper access channel, and the price of goods caused by shipping costs could also be lowered.”
Accelerated Completion Timeline
While the project is scheduled to be completed in 33 months by March 2027, Uggah expressed optimism for an earlier completion.
“The agreement here is that this project is to be completed in 33 months, but I hope that they can do it within 24 months,” he remarked.
An expedited timeline would hasten the realisation of the economic benefits and improve regional shipping efficiency.
MPA Chairman Datuk Paulus Palu Gumbang highlighted the project’s critical importance, stating that the shallow access channel currently poses navigational hazards and restricts larger vessels from accessing the port.
“With a deeper access channel, Miri Port would be able to realise its designated capacity of handling 3.5 million tonnes of cargo annually,” he said.
Enhanced Capacity and Safety
The project includes the construction of two 6 km training bunds, which will not only facilitate the effective flushing of the dredged channel but also ensure safe and efficient navigation. The deeper channel will accommodate larger vessels and improve navigational safety, significantly reducing the risk of accidents and environmental hazards, providing a sense of security for the community and the environment.
Transport Minister Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin underscored the project’s impact on the shipbuilding industry, tourism, and oil and gas sectors.
“Once this channel deepens, we will be able to build bigger ships so that the shipbuilding industry in Miri will continue to flourish. At the same time, it will also help with the development of our oil and gas alongside the tourism industry in Miri. Meaning to say that the cruise ships can come to Miri if the channel deepens,” he added.
Future Prospects
Prominent figures, including MPA Chairman Datuk Paulus Palu Gumbang, CCCC Managing Director Ni Qing Jiu, RPSB Director Muhammad Iswandy Bujang and various state ministers and local dignitaries attended the contract signing ceremony. Their presence underscored the project’s significance and the broad support it enjoys.
As Sarawak continues its journey towards becoming a prosperous and developed state, the transformation of Miri Port is a strategic move towards the region’s commitment to progress and innovation. The successful completion of this project will enhance Miri’s maritime capabilities and also pave the way for sustained economic growth and improved quality of life for the people of Sarawak, instilling a sense of pride and confidence in the region’s future.
Broader Implications
This project is part of a broader initiative to develop Sarawak’s northern region to transform it into a dynamic economic hub. The port’s expansion is expected to attract further investments in sectors such as logistics, warehousing, and distribution. These developments will create a ripple effect, fostering growth in ancillary industries and services.
Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah concluded with a vision for the future: “I foresee Kuala Baram will be capable of handling all types of cargo as well as cruise vessels. There will be stimulation to other sectors such as shipbuilding and repair, palm oil, oil and gas industries and green energy.”
