**Port of Melbourne and Port of Tanjung Pelepas Forge Alliance for Sustainable Maritime Future**

In a significant step towards a greener and more equitable maritime industry, the Port of Melbourne and Malaysia’s Port of Tanjung Pelepas (PTP) have formalized a partnership by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This landmark agreement aims to drive advancements in sustainable and inclusive port operations, marking a new chapter in collaboration between the two key maritime hubs.

The official exchange of the MoU occurred during the Australia at ASEAN Business Mission Reception, held as part of the ASEAN Business and Investment Summit in Kuala Lumpur. The ceremony was graced by the presence of Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who witnessed the exchange during the 47th ASEAN Summit. Prime Minister Albanese expressed his optimism, stating, “It’s good that we’ve had all of those MoUs witnessed here today that will lead to further development.”

This strategic alliance is built upon three core pillars:

* **Maritime Emissions and Operations:** Both ports will engage in collaborative research initiatives, share best practices, and focus on enhancing operational efficiency with the express goal of reducing emissions.
* **Alternative Fuels:** The partnership will actively explore the development and promotion of low-emission fuel solutions, fostering the creation of shared infrastructure and the alignment of policies to support this transition.
* **Social Inclusiveness:** A commitment has been made to champion diversity, promote equitable employment opportunities, and invest in comprehensive workforce training within the maritime sector.

Saul Cannon, CEO of Port of Melbourne, highlighted the significance of the agreement, stating, “This MoU reflects our vision of a future-focused port. We’re proud to partner with PTP to drive sustainability and decarbonisation.” Echoing this sentiment, PTP CEO Mark Hardiman remarked, “As we celebrate PTP’s 25th anniversary, this partnership shows that true progress comes through collaboration and shared goals.”

This collaborative effort, initiated in 2023 under Australia’s Partnerships for Infrastructure (P4I) program, led by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, signifies a concrete move from ambition to action. Simon Cramp, Strategic Director of P4I, commented, “By fostering technical dialogue and cooperation, Port of Melbourne and PTP are turning ambition into action.”

Cannon further emphasized the broader implications of this alliance, adding, “This collaboration supports Australia’s global engagement and strengthens our shared commitment to sustainable growth and innovation.” Both Port of Melbourne and PTP are dedicated to aligning their sustainability objectives with global frameworks, including the Paris Agreement and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

The partnership holds particular economic significance, given that Malaysia is a vital trading partner for Port of Melbourne, ranking fourth in imports and fifth in exports by container volume. PTP, recognized as the world’s fastest-growing port with an impressive 15.4% growth in early 2025, further solidifies Malaysia’s integral role in global trade. This MoU not only advances environmental and social objectives but also serves to deepen the economic and strategic ties between Australia and Malaysia.

Port of Melbourne and PTP partner to advance sustainable port operations