LAHAD DATU

• MYLDU
• Latitude: 4.99724
• Longitude: 118.375
• Indonesia
• Port in Malaysia

Location: Lahad Datu Sabah 91100 Malaysia

Lahad Datu is a coastal city located in the Tawau Division of Sabah, an eastern state of Malaysia on the island of Borneo. It is an essential port primarily because of its strategic positioning and its role in facilitating both industrial and agricultural trade, particularly in palm oil, timber, and other commodities.

Lahad Datu Port Overview

Location:

• Latitude: 5.026° N
• Longitude: 118.327° E
• Region: Sabah, Malaysia
• Nearby Major Waterway: Celebes Sea

Port Type:

• Multi-purpose port

Port Authority:

• Managed by the Sabah Ports Authority and operated by Sabah Ports Sdn Bhd.

Specifications and Infrastructure

Berthing and Anchorage:

• Berths: The port features several berths that are designed to handle various types of vessels, including cargo ships and tankers.
• Anchorage Depth: Maximum anchorage depth is approximately 11 to 15 meters, accommodating medium-sized vessels.
• Harbor Type: Coastal Breakwater
• Cargo Pier Depth: Typically around 7 to 9 meters.

Facilities:

• Warehousing: The port is equipped with ample warehousing facilities for storage of goods, including refrigerated storage for perishable items.
• Handling Equipment: Includes cranes, forklifts, and conveyor systems to facilitate the efficient loading and unloading of cargo.

Services:

• Pilotage: Pilot services are available and generally mandatory for navigation into the port.
• Tug Assistance: Tugboats are available for assisting larger vessels in berthing and unberthing maneuvers.
• Bunkering: Fuel and oil supply services are available at the port.
• Stevedoring: Stevedoring services are provided by port operators for the loading and unloading of cargo.

Cargo Types:

• Main Imports: Machinery, consumer goods, and construction materials.
• Main Exports: Timber, palm oil, cocoa, seafood, and other agricultural products.

Connectivity:

Hinterland:

• Road Network: Lahad Datu is well connected by a network of roads linking it to other major cities and towns in Sabah, such as Tawau, Sandakan, and Kota Kinabalu.
• Nearby Airport: Lahad Datu Airport (LDU), which provides airborne logistics and connects the region to other parts of Malaysia and neighboring countries.

Accessibility:

• The port is accessible year-round, but weather conditions such as monsoons can occasionally affect operations.

Economic and Strategic Importance:

• Lahad Datu port plays a crucial role in the economic development of the Sabah region by facilitating the export of its rich natural resources.
• The port serves as a gateway for both international and domestic trade, reinforcing Malaysia's position in regional maritime logistics.

Development Plans:

• The port has seen several modernization projects aimed at expanding its capacity and improving infrastructure to support increasing trade volumes.
• Future plans may include further dredging to accommodate larger vessels and additional warehousing facilities to handle a more extensive range of cargo.

Security:

• Standard security measures are in place, including patrols, surveillance systems, and customs checks to ensure safety and compliance with international maritime regulations.

In summary, Lahad Datu port is a vital maritime facility in Malaysia’s Sabah region, contributing significantly to the local and national economy through its handling of a wide range of imports and exports. Its strategic location and ongoing development efforts aim to bolster its capacity and efficiency.