BY JAMES WONG & MARGARET RINGGIT
MIRI: The dredging project to deepen the Kuala Baram access channel is expected to double Miri Port’s revenue, said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas.
Uggah, who is also Infrastructure and Port Development Minister, said the development of the deep-sea channel aligns with Miri Port’s long-term vision of becoming a world-class port and a major driver of economic growth in northern Sarawak.
“This project presents an enormous opportunity for the region, creating jobs and unlocking economic potential,” he said during the Miri Port Authority earth-breaking ceremony for the dredging and associated works project at the Batang Baram Delta, here today.
Uggah added that the access channel will allow vessels with drafts of up to seven metres to dock at the Miri Port Terminal, accommodating 80 per cent of the current vessel traffic.
“This will significantly boost sectors such as shipping, shipbuilding and repair, oil and gas, tourism, and the palm oil industry.
“Currently, these industries are still profitable despite logistical challenges. With the improvements, we expect them to thrive even more,” he added.
He also said Miri Port’s development could eventually complement Bintulu’s refineries and other large-scale industries to further its economic expansion.
The RM208.9 million dredging project, according to Uggah, will deepen the channel to -5 metres chart datum (CD) in its Phase 1.
It will include dredging the channel to a depth of -5 metres CD, constructing 6 kilometres of training bunds on each side of the channel, totaling 12 kilometers, to prevent siltation, and reclaiming land by depositing dredged materials along the bunds.
Uggah explained that to achieve the target depth of 25 metres required for deep-sea vessels, an additional 3 kilometres of dredging will be necessary.
This 25-metre depth meets the draft requirements for all types of ships, making Miri Port suitable for deep-sea port operations, he said.
He also highlighted the successful implementation of training bunds in global ports such as Rotterdam, Miami, Adelaide, and Shanghai, where they have helped maintain navigation depths without the need for continuous dredging.
“During a recent visit to Shanghai, we observed how effective these solutions were. This project has incorporated similar proven technologies, including draining pipes that reduce the need for dredging maintenance.
“Shanghai faced similar challenges 20 years ago, and they overcame them by using draining pipes, which were 150 to 180 kilometres long,” said Uggah.
He noted that the same contractor involved in Shanghai Port access channel
Development is also assisting with the construction of Miri’s training bunds.
The ceremony also included the formal exchange of contract documents between the Miri Port Authority and its joint venture partners, Rimbun Prima Sdn Bhd (RPSB) and China Communications Construction Company (M) Sdn Bhd (CCCC), marking the official start of the project and the commitment of all parties to complete the work on schedule.
