In a strategic move toward sustainable operations, Westports Malaysia Sdn Bhd, a leading port operator, has enlisted the expertise of Solarvest Holdings Berhad for the installation of rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) systems across two of their warehouse facilities situated in Port Klang.
The collaboration entails Solarvest overseeing the engineering, procurement, construction, and commissioning (EPCC) of a 7.7-megawatt-peak (MWp) solar installation, a significant addition to their expanding solar PV portfolio within the logistics sector. Notably, Westports, handling over 8 million “twenty-foot equivalent units” (TEUs) of cargo in the initial three quarters of 2023, foresees completion of this installation by mid-2024.
With a recent adoption of Bursa Malaysia’s carbon emissions tracker, the centralised sustainability intelligence (CSI) platform, Westports aims to substantially reduce its carbon footprint by integrating solar power into its operations. Projections estimate that this initiative alone will offset approximately 6,500 tonnes of carbon dioxide annually for Westports. Moreover, aligning with Malaysia’s National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR), Westports has set an Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG) target of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
Datuk Ruben Emir Gnanalingam bin Abdullah, Executive Chairman and Group Managing Director of Westports, expressed, “Westports is committed to achieving Operational Net Zero emissions by 2050. The transition to cleaner energy stands as a significant pillar in our journey. As the National Energy Grid is unlikely to reach zero emissions in the near future, we decided to pursue our plans to produce energy, with solar power being the first step in this direction.”
Adding to this, Executive Director and Group Chief Executive Officer of Solarvest, Mr. Davis Chong Chun Shiong, emphasized, “Our growing solar PV portfolio in the transportation and logistics sector aligns with the sector’s anticipated market growth in Malaysia, showcasing an increased adoption of clean energy solutions. With this latest appointment by Westports, we aim to collaborate closely with one of Southeast Asia’s largest port operators to significantly reduce their carbon footprint, contributing to Malaysia’s overall commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 45% by 2030.”
The partnership between Westports and Solarvest marks a pivotal step toward sustainable energy adoption within the logistics industry, showcasing a commitment toward environmental responsibility and aligning with national sustainability goals.
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