Johor: The Johor Port Berhad (JPB), in collaboration with the Johor Port Authority (LPJ), is set to spearhead the adoption of electric tugboats (e-tugboats) at Malaysian ports, with plans to operate at least five units by 2035. LPJ Board chairman Dr. Rosnan Fathlal highlighted the initiative as a timely response to surging diesel costs, which have increased more than fourfold.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Dr. Rosnan stated that the transition to e-tugboats could be realized by the end of this year, potentially leading to substantial savings. Diesel prices before the recent geopolitical conflicts were RM2.80 per litre, compared to the current RM6.80 per litre. Tugboats are crucial for port operations, which involve shifting berthed vessels and towing ships. JPB's annual diesel consumption stands at approximately 12 to 13 million litres, with 75% of that used for tugboat operations.

JPB is initially set to operate two e-tugboats, with plans to expand to five by 2035. A study will be conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of e-tugboats before a complete transition. Currently, JPB operates 13 diesel tugboats, and the rising fuel prices have significantly impacted operations as the diesel consumption remains consistent.

Dr. Rosnan also noted that JPB handled 501,227 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) in the first three months of this year, a slight reduction from 509,790 TEUs in the same period last year. Vessel operations decreased from 2,103 ships to 1,885 ships, possibly due to recent conflicts.

In a separate initiative, Dr. Rosnan revealed that JPB and LPJ aim to plant 160,000 mangrove trees in the state as part of their corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts. The five-year project covers a 13.4-hectare area, with 3.4 hectares already planted. The programme, conducted in collaboration with Tanjung Piai National Park and local universities, aims to restore coastal areas, conserve marine biodiversity, and raise awareness about mangrove forests' importance.

Today's activities, aligned with World Earth Day, saw the planting of 2,000 mangrove trees to offset carbon and support their role as effective 'blue carbon' absorbers.