UN/LOCODE: MYLBU📍 Malaysia
Port of Labuan, Sabah (UN/LOCODE MYLBU)
❖ Coordinates: 5.2831°N, 115.2308°E
❖ Time Zone: Asia/Kuala_Lumpur
❖ UN/LOCODE: MYLBU
## About the Port
Labuan (UN/LOCODE: **MYLBU**) is a strategically positioned deep‑water seaport on the island of Labuan, a federal territory off the coast of Sabah, Malaysia. Situated at **5.2831456 °N, 115.230825 °E** and operating under the **Asia/Kuala_Lumpur** timezone, the port serves as a gateway between the South China Sea, the wider Indo‑Pacific maritime corridor, and the oil‑rich offshore fields of East Malaysia. Its natural harbor offers a protected anchorage with a charted water depth of ≥ 12 m, allowing Panamax and post‑Panamax vessels to berth without extensive dredging. The port is administered by the **Labuan Port Authority (LPA)**, which reports to the Ministry of Transport, and is integrated into the national **Malaysia Port Authority** network, complying with International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code standards.
## History
The origins of Labuan’s maritime facilities trace back to the British colonial era when the island was established as a coaling station in **1846**. Following the discovery of oil in the 1960s, the site transformed into a hub for offshore support vessels servicing the burgeoning **Miri‑Seria** oilfields. In **1990**, the Malaysian government designated Labuan as an **International Business and Financial Centre (IBFC)**, prompting significant investment in port infrastructure to accommodate increased containerized and bulk cargo flows. The turn of the millennium saw the construction of a modern container terminal and a dedicated oil‑handling berth, cementing Labuan’s role as a logistics node for the **Borneo offshore energy sector**. Recent upgrades (2018‑2023) have emphasized digitalization, with the implementation of a **Port Community System (PCS)** that streamlines customs clearance and vessel scheduling.
## Infrastructure & Facilities
| Facility | Specification | Operational Notes |
|----------|----------------|-------------------|
| **Container Terminal** | 2 gantry cranes (40 t lifting capacity), 4 rubber‑tyred gantry (RTG) units, 400 m quay length, 12 m draft | Handles TEUs up to 5,000; equipped with a **terminal operating system (TOS)** for real‑time vessel stowage planning. |
| **Oil & Gas Berths** | 2 dedicated berths, 1 km of jetty, 15 m water depth, 2 × 15 t offshore cranes | Supports FPSO, Shuttle Tankers, and supply vessels for the **Kalikapi** and **Kikeh** fields. |
| **General Cargo Wharfs** | 3 berths, 250 m total length, 10 m draft | Serves break‑bulk, timber, and palletized goods; equipped with mobile cranes (10‑30 t). |
| **Bulk Handling** | 1 grain elevator (3 kmt/yr), 1 cement silos (5 kmt) | Integrated conveyor system linking directly to inland storage yards. |
| **Warehousing & Logistics** | 120,000 m² covered storage, 2,000 m² cold storage, 5,000 m² open‑yard | Certified with ISO 9001 and ISO 14001; offers bonded and free‑zone facilities. |
| **Ancillary Services** | Pilotage, towage, bunkering, ship chandlery, ship repair (dry dock capacity 80 m) | 24‑hour pilotage; towage fleet includes 4 tugs (max bollard pull 55 t). |
| **Connectivity** | Direct road link to **Labuan Bridge (Jalan Labuan–Kota Kinabalu)**, fiber‑optic communications, GPS‑based Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) | Proximity to **Kota Kinabalu International Airport** (≈ 45 km) facilitates multimodal transfers. |
The port’s **electronic data interchange (EDI)** platform aligns with the **National Single Window (NSW)** of Malaysia, enabling automated customs clearance and reducing average dwell time to **≈ 1.2 days** for containerized cargo.
## Economic Importance
Labuan functions as a cornerstone of Malaysia’s **East Malaysia** economy, contributing an estimated **US$2.5 billion** in annual trade volume. The port’s dual role—supporting both **offshore oil & gas operations** and **regional container traffic**—creates a diversified revenue base. Key economic impacts include:
* **Revenue Generation:** Port fees, pilotage, and handling charges account for over **30 %** of the federal territory’s fiscal income, funding public services and infrastructure upgrades.
* **Employment:** Direct employment exceeds **1,200** staff across LPA, terminal operators, and ancillary services; indirect jobs in logistics, customs, and hospitality add another **3,500** positions.
* **Investment Attraction:** Labuan’s status as an IBFC, combined with its low‑tax regime, has attracted **foreign direct investment (FDI)** from multinational oil majors (e.g., **Petronas**, **Shell**, **ExxonMobil**) and shipping lines seeking a cost‑effective hub.
* **Regional Development:** The port supports the **Sabah Timber Corridor** and the **East Sabah Agricultural Initiative**, providing export pathways for palm oil, rubber, and timber products to China, Japan, and the European Union.
In alignment with Malaysia’s **National Maritime Policy 2024‑2030**, Labuan is slated for further expansion, targeting an **annual container throughput increase of 20 %** and a **10 % rise in bulk cargo handling** by 2030.
## Trade Routes & Major Cargo
### Trade Routes
Labuan’s geographic position places it at the confluence of several vital maritime lanes:
* **Northwest Corridor:** Direct services to **Port Klang**, **Singapore**, and **Tanjung Pelepas**, linking to the **Malacca Strait** – the world’s busiest shipping chokepoint.
* **Northeast Circuit:** Regular calls from **Keelung (Taiwan)** and **Yokohama (Japan)**, supporting electronic components, automotive parts, and high‑value manufactured goods.
* **Southwest Axis:** Connections to **Hong Kong**, **Guangzhou**, and **Shenzhen**, facilitating the export of oil, timber, and agricultural commodities.
* **Eastward Expansion:** Emerging feeder services to **Balikpapan** and **Makassar** (Indonesia) as part of the **ASEAN Regional Sea Transport Initiative**.
These routes are underpinned by **weekly liner schedules** from major carriers such as **Maersk Line**, **Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC)**, and **CMA CGM**, complemented by a robust network of **regional feeder vessels**.
### Major Cargo
| Cargo Type | Approx. Annual Volume | Primary Origin/Destination |
|-----------|----------------------|----------------------------|
| **Crude Oil & Condensate** | 12 million bbl | Export from offshore fields to Asian refineries (Japan, South Korea) |
| **LNG & LPG** | 3 million t | Import for local power generation and industrial use |
| **Containerized Goods** | 800,000 TEU | Imports of electronics, machinery; exports of palm oil, timber |
| **Timber & Pulp** | 1.5 Mt | Export to East Asia (China, Japan) |
| **Palm Oil & Derivatives** | 2.2 Mt | Export to EU and Indian markets |
| **Granular Fertilizers** | 250,000 t | Import from Middle East for Sabah agriculture |
| **Bulk Cement** | 120,000 t | Import for regional construction projects |
The port also supports **specialized cargo** such as **offshore drilling equipment**, **subsea pipelines**, and **renewable‑energy components** (e.g., wind‑turbine parts), reflecting Malaysia’s shift toward diversified energy portfolios.
For detailed vessel schedules and cargo statistics, consult the **Labuan Port Authority’s maritime portal** and the **UN/LOCODE database** (https://unece.org/cefact/unlocode).
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*Labuan’s blend of deep‑water capacity, modern infrastructure, and strategic location continues to make it a pivotal node in Southeast Asian maritime trade, underpinning both Malaysia’s energy sector and its broader economic diversification agenda.*
Port Intelligence
UN/LOCODE
MYLBU
Country
Malaysia
Province / Region
Wilayah Persekutuan Labuan
Latitude
5.283146
Longitude
115.230825
Timezone
Asia/Kuala_Lumpur
Nautical Map (OpenSeaMap)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the UN/LOCODE for Port of Labuan, Sabah?
The official UN/LOCODE for Port of Labuan, Sabah is MYLBU.
Where is Port of Labuan, Sabah located?
The Port of Labuan, Sabah is located in Malaysia, Wilayah Persekutuan Labuan. Its coordinates are 5.2831°N, 115.2308°E.
What time zone is Port of Labuan, Sabah in?
Port of Labuan, Sabah operates in the Asia/Kuala_Lumpur time zone.
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About the World Port Index
This data is sourced programmatically. The UN/LOCODE is the official geographic coding scheme used by the United Nations for trade and transport locations.
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