Melaka International Cruise Terminal Underway
Melaka International Cruise Terminal is a new cruise port situated in Melaka Gateway, an off-shore development of artificial islands in Malacca, Malaysia. Still under development, the new port is in its first phase with two berths planned, accommodating ships up to 362 metres. The US$163M Melaka International Cruise Terminal, which is part of the Melaka Gateway project, is expected to be completed by September 2020 and commence operation in the first quarter of 2021.
The port is situated alongside the central business district (CBD) area and is within walking distance of Melaka’s UNESCO World Historical and Heritage sites.
The sea depth is 13 to 15 metres, which forms a natural harbour and therefore no further dredging is required.
Datuk Michelle Ong, chief executive officer of the deep-sea port project’s developer KAJ Development Sdn Bhd said they expected tourists arriving at the state by cruise ships to spend a minimum of US$200 each, which would enhance the state’s revenue and even that of the country. “We have also requested the state government to set up an agency to register local vendors who are keen in bunkering facilities at the port,” she commented.
According to Ong, the company aims to become the leader in the domestic maritime industry and plans to open a maritime university for the benefit of local students. She said on its completion, the Melaka Gateway project would create 45,000 to 60,000 jobs.