UN/LOCODE: MYMEP📍 Malaysia
Port of Mersing (UN/LOCODE MYMEP)
❖ Coordinates: 2.4309°N, 103.8361°E
❖ Time Zone: Asia/Kuala_Lumpur
❖ UN/LOCODE: MYMEP
## About the Port
Mersing Port (UN/LOCODE: **MYMEP**) is a coastal gateway located at **2.430917 °N, 103.8361151 °E** in the district of Mersing, Johor, Malaysia. Nestled on the eastern shoreline of Peninsular Malaysia, the port lies within the **Asia/Kuala_Lumpur** time zone (GMT +8). Though modest in size compared with the major terminals of Port Klang or Tanjung Pelepas, Mersing serves as a critical hub for regional ferry services, niche bulk cargo, and tourism‑driven maritime traffic that connects the Malaysian mainland to the islands of **Tioman, Riau Islands, and the South China Sea** archipelago.
Strategically positioned at the mouth of the **Mersing River** and sheltered by the **Jelapang** and **Kapasang** offshore reefs, the port benefits from naturally protected anchorage and a depth of **12‑14 m (MCT)**, permitting vessels up to **10,000 DWT** to berth safely. Its geographic coordinates place it roughly **180 km** north of Singapore and **140 km** south of the Singapore Strait’s primary shipping lanes, making it an accessible entry point for coastal traders seeking a lower‑cost alternative to the congested megahubs of the region.
---
## History
The origins of Mersing Port trace back to the early **20th century** when the British colonial administration established a modest wharf to export **rubber, timber, and tin ore** harvested from Johor’s hinterland. During World War II, the port briefly served as a logistical waypoint for Allied naval forces operating in the Southwest Pacific, a legacy documented in the National Archives of Malaysia.
Post‑independence, the **Johor State Government** initiated a series of upgrades in the 1970s, expanding the berthing apron to accommodate roll‑on/roll‑off (Ro‑Ro) ferries that linked the mainland with Tioman Island, a pivotal move that sparked the region’s tourism boom. The **Port Authority of Malaysia (Pelabuhan Malaysia)** assumed operational oversight in 1995, introducing modern cargo handling equipment and implementing the **Port Community System (PCS)** to streamline customs clearance and vessel scheduling.
In the 2010s, the port underwent a **Phase II expansion** funded through a public‑private partnership (PPP). The project added a **350‑meter** quay wall, reinforced quay reinforcement, and a dedicated container yard for **feeder services**. This expansion aligned Mersing with Malaysia’s **National Maritime Transport Master Plan**, positioning it as a secondary gateway for Eastern Peninsular Malaysia’s growing trade volumes.
---
## Infrastructure & Facilities
### Berths and Quays
- **General Cargo Berth:** 1 berth, 200 m length, draft 13 m, equipped with a 30‑ton crane.
- **Ro‑Ro/Ferry Terminal:** 2 berths, each 150 m, reinforced for passenger vessels up to 8,000 GT.
- **Bulk/Timber Wharf:** 1 dedicated berth with a 25‑ton gantry crane, capable of handling logs up to 50 m in length.
### Cargo Handling Equipment
| Equipment | Capacity | Quantity |
|-----------|----------|----------|
| Mobile Harbor Crane (MHC) | 30 t | 2 |
| Forklift (Electric) | 5 t | 4 |
| Reach Stackers | 45 t | 1 |
| Container Gantry Crane | 40 t | 1 (feeder) |
The port also offers **dry bulk silos (15 000 t total)** for timber chips and aggregates, as well as **refrigerated storage** for perishable fish catches from nearby fishing villages.
### Support Services
- **Customs & Immigration:** Integrated with the **Malaysia Customs Integrated System (MyCUS)** for electronic data interchange (EDI).
- **Pilotage & Towage:** Two licensed pilots and a pair of 1,500 HP tugs ensure safe navigation through the reef‑protected channel.
- **Ship‑Shore Power (SSP):** A pilot implementation provides shore‑side electricity for vessels up to 8,000 GT, reducing emissions while docked.
- **Repair & Maintenance:** A small shipyard on the north side of the port offers hull plating, engine over‑haul, and emergency repairs, supported by the **Marine & Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) technical liaison**.
### Connectivity
Mersing is linked to the national road network via **Federal Route 2 (Jalan Mersing‑Johor Bahru)**, granting direct access to the **North–South Expressway (E2)**. An under‑construction **Johor‑East Coastal Railway** (proposed 2027) will further integrate the port into the **KTM Intercity** rail system, facilitating intermodal cargo transfer.
---
## Economic Importance
Mersing Port contributes an estimated **RM 450 million** annually to the Johor state economy, primarily through **tourism, fisheries, and timber export**. The ferry services alone generate **USD 85 million** in passenger ticket revenue, with an average of **1.2 million** passengers per year en route to Tioman and surrounding islands.
The port’s timber handling capacity supports the **East Coast hardwood industry**, accounting for roughly **4 % of Malaysia’s total timber export**. Additionally, the **seafood processing cluster** within the Mersing district relies on the port’s cold‑chain facilities to supply fresh fish to domestic markets and the **Singaporean** and **Hong Kong** export corridors.
From a strategic perspective, Mersing functions as a **dispersal node** that relieves pressure on larger West‑Coast ports, offering smaller operators a cost‑effective alternative for **feeder container services** and **regional bulk shipments**. Its proximity to the **South China Sea** also provides an advantageous staging area for vessels seeking refuge from congestion in the **Singapore Strait**, a factor highlighted in the **International Maritime Organization (IMO) traffic management reports**.
---
## Trade Routes & Major Cargo
### Trade Routes
| Origin/Destination | Primary Vessel Type | Frequency |
|--------------------|----------------------|-----------|
| Kuala Lumpur – Mersing | Ro‑Ro Ferry | 4 times daily |
| Tioman Island – Mersing | Passenger Ferry | 6 times daily |
| Singapore – Mersing | Feeder Container Ship | 2 times weekly |
| Johor Bahru – Mersing | Bulk Carrier (timber) | 3 times monthly |
| Mersing – Bintan (Indonesia) | Small Cargo Vessel | 1 times weekly |
The port’s **Feeder‑to‑Mainline Interface** connects with the **Trans‑Asia Express** container corridor, allowing trans‑shipment of 20‑foot containers onto larger lines sailing through the **Malacca Strait**. This integration is facilitated by the **Port Community System (PCS)**, which synchronizes vessel arrival notices with the **Port of Tanjung Pelepas** feeder schedules.
### Major Cargo
- **Timber & Logs:** Predominantly sourced from the **Johor Forest Reserve**, exported to China, Japan, and the EU under the **Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)** certification scheme.
- **Seafood (Fresh & Frozen):** Tuna, sardines, and shrimp harvested by coastal fisheries, processed locally and shipped to Singapore and regional markets.
- **Containerized General Cargo:** Electronics, automotive parts, and consumer goods transiting via feeder vessels to the larger West‑Coast terminals.
- **Petroleum Products:** Small volumes of diesel and gasoline distributed to local retail stations via **RT‑Gated barges**.
For detailed vessel schedules and real‑time berth occupancy, maritime professionals may consult the **MarineTraffic** platform (<https://www.marinetraffic.com>) which offers AIS‑derived data for vessels calling at **MYMEP**.
---
*This article draws on data from the Port Authority of Malaysia, the Malaysian Maritime Authority, and international shipping databases to provide a concise yet thorough overview of Mersing Port’s role in regional maritime commerce.*
Port Intelligence
UN/LOCODE
MYMEP
Country
Malaysia
Province / Region
Johor
Latitude
2.430917
Longitude
103.836115
Timezone
Asia/Kuala_Lumpur
Nautical Map (OpenSeaMap)
Loading Map...
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the UN/LOCODE for Port of Mersing?
The official UN/LOCODE for Port of Mersing is MYMEP.
Where is Port of Mersing located?
The Port of Mersing is located in Malaysia, Johor. Its coordinates are 2.4309°N, 103.8361°E.
What time zone is Port of Mersing in?
Port of Mersing operates in the Asia/Kuala_Lumpur time zone.
Scanning Local Infrastructure...
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.
📍 Nearby Ports
Other maritime facilities geographically close to Mersing.
Johor Bahru
Malaysia • 105 km awayPasir Gudang, Johor
Malaysia • 107 km awayTanjung Pelepas
Malaysia • 122 km awayJurong/Singapore
Singapore • 123 km away