Enrique Of Malacca Shipyard To Drive New Maritime Economy In Melaka -- Ab Rauf
MELAKA, April 21 (Bernama) -- The Enrique of Malacca Shipyard, a RM180 million strategic development expected to generate up to RM1.8 billion in revenue over a decade, is poised to anchor a new maritime economic ecosystem in Melaka.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh said the project, slated for completion within two years, will be developed on a 17.12-hectare site and become the state’s largest shipyard, reinforcing Melaka’s ambition as a “Future Maritime City”.
He said the development is expected to create more than 1,500 high-skilled jobs, offering local talent opportunities in high-technology industries without relocating outside the state.
“It will also serve as a new magnet for foreign direct investment and attract international expertise into the state’s industrial ecosystem,” he told reporters after officiating at the groundbreaking ceremony for the Enrique of Malacca Shipyard in Klebang on Tuesday.
Ab Rauf said the project involves a strategic collaboration between SM-WEZ Corporation, Henry The Black Shipyard Sdn Bhd and Turkiye’s Desan Shipyard, which has more than 47 years of experience in the global maritime industry.
He said the development forms part of the broader Straits of Melaka Waterfront Economic Zone (SM-WEZ), spanning 3,642 hectares of reclaimed land across a 33-kilometre coastal stretch.
“This is not merely a physical development but part of a broader strategy under SM-WEZ that leverages the strategic position of the Straits of Malacca, one of the world’s busiest trade routes.
“More than 80,000 vessels pass through this route annually, accounting for nearly 30 per cent of global trade. I believe this project will be a catalyst for a new maritime economic ecosystem in Melaka,” he said.
He added that the state government has stressed the development will adhere to Blue Economy principles, ensuring economic growth aligns with environmental sustainability.
He said the project would not affect the marine ecosystem, as an environmental impact assessment (EIA) had been conducted prior to reclamation works.
“A comprehensive study was carried out in advance, and the EIA approval obtained allows the shipyard development to proceed in accordance with established procedures and guidelines,” he said.
-- BERNAMA