Labuan’s Sailion Shipping Handles Discovery Princess During Port Klang Transit
By Jailani Hasan
LABUAN, Oct 29 (Bernama) -- Labuan-based Sailion Shipping Sdn Bhd successfully handled the port call of the Discovery Princess cruise ship during its transit at Port Klang today, as part of the company’s growing engagement with international cruise operators and port authorities.
The Discovery Princess, operated by Princess Cruises, is one of the newest Royal-class vessels, with a capacity of about 5,000 passengers and crew.
The operations and familiarisation visit was led by Sailion Shipping chief executive officer Datuk Seri Patrick Tiong, accompanied by operations director Mohd Riyaz Mohamed Ibrahim, as well as several senior executives and staff members.
“The delegation reviewed the ship’s onboard facilities and port-call operations, including embarkation procedures, passenger handling systems, and vessel servicing logistics.
“During the visit, discussions also centred on Labuan Port’s potential as a future transit and turnaround destination for cruise liners, given its deepwater berths and strategic location along regional shipping routes,” said Tiong to Bernama when contacted today.
He said Sailion Shipping’s handling of major cruise liners reflects its commitment to promoting Malaysia’s maritime and tourism potential, particularly in Labuan.
“Labuan has the infrastructure and maritime capability to support cruise tourism growth. With proper collaboration between port authorities and industry players, it can emerge as an important regional port of call,” he said.
Tiong also said the Discovery Princess call was in line with the government’s efforts to strengthen Malaysia’s position as a key destination in the Asia-Pacific cruise circuit.
Officials from Sailion Shipping and Discovery Princess also exchanged views on sustainable port management and opportunities for collaboration to enhance Malaysia’s cruise tourism infrastructure, he added.
As a maritime solutions provider, Sailion Shipping operates and handles international cruise services at major ports across Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei.
-- BERNAMA
