UN/LOCODE: MYMYY📍 Malaysia
Port of Miri, Sarawak (UN/LOCODE MYMYY)
❖ Coordinates: 4.3995°N, 113.9914°E
❖ Time Zone: Asia/Kuala_Lumpur
❖ UN/LOCODE: MYMYY
## About the Port
The **Port of Miri** (UN/LOCODE: **MYMYY**) is a deep‑water gateway situated on the north‑western coast of Sarawak, Malaysia. Located at **4.399493° N, 113.9913832° E** and operating under the **Asia/Kuala_Lumpur** time zone, Miri serves as the principal maritime hub for the oil‑rich Miri Division and the broader Borneo interior. Managed by the **Sarawak Port Authority (SPA)**, the port combines container handling, bulk cargo facilities, and specialized terminals for the energy sector, positioning it among the most versatile ports on the South‑China Sea rim.
Strategically positioned near the **Miri Oilfield** and the burgeoning **Limbang–Miri** industrial corridor, the port benefits from direct access to the **Balikpapan‑Singapore‑Kuching** shipping lanes, facilitating both regional and trans‑Pacific traffic. Its geographic coordinates place it within a natural deep‑water basin, allowing **drafts of up to 13 m** at high tide, which is sufficient for Panamax and many post‑Panamax vessels.
> *Key identifiers*:
> - **UN/LOCODE**: MYMYY
> - **IATA**: None (cargo‑only)
> - **Customs jurisdiction**: Sarawak State Customs Department
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## History
The origins of Miri’s maritime facilities trace back to the early 20th century, when the British North Borneo Company established modest wharfage to support timber exportation. The discovery of oil in **Miri in 1910** – the first commercial oil field in Malaysia – triggered a rapid expansion of port infrastructure, converting the once‑rudimentary dock into a **strategic petroleum export hub**.
During World War II, the port suffered significant damage under Japanese occupation, but post‑war reconstruction under the Malayan government restored its capacity, with a focus on diversifying cargo beyond crude oil. The 1970s saw the construction of a dedicated **oil terminal** and the introduction of container handling equipment, aligning Miri with the global shift toward containerisation.
In 2004, the **Sarawak Port Authority** was established, consolidating administrative control and launching a modernization program that introduced **Roll‑On/Roll‑Off (Ro‑Ro) facilities, a dedicated LNG berthing point, and a state‑of‑the‑art container yard**. Recent upgrades, completed in 2022, incorporated a **digital terminal operating system (TOS)** and enhanced **e‑customs clearance**, cementing Miri’s reputation as a digital‑first port in East Malaysia.
For a detailed chronology, see the **Sarawak Port Authority historical overview**.[^1]
[^1]: https://www.portofmiri.com.my/history
---
## Infrastructure & Facilities
### 1. Berths and Drafts
- **12 General Cargo Berths** (length 180 m – 300 m; draft 12–13 m)
- **2 Dedicated Oil Terminals** (each with dual pipelines, 7 m draft)
- **1 LNG Terminal** (cryogenic handling, 10 m draft)
- **3 Container Berths** equipped with **Super‑Post‑Panamax** cranes (45 t lift)
All berths are fitted with **STP (Ship‑to‑Shore) Gantry Cranes**, **RTG (Rubber‑Tired Gantry) yards**, and **electrified quay power (EQP)** to support cold‑ ironing for reduced emissions.
### 2. Cargo Handling Equipment
- **40 Mobile Harbour Cranes** (30 t – 45 t)
- **8 Reach Stackers** and **12 Forklifts** for break‑bulk handling
- **2 Heavy‑Lift Cranes** (up to 300 t) for offshore equipment
- **Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs)** introduced in 2021 for container shuttling
### 3. Storage & Logistics
- **1.2 million m²** of container yard space (including 8 ha of **cold‑storage** for perishables)
- **15 ha** of open bulk storage (coal, cement, grain)
- **5 ha** of **Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT)** segregation area, compliant with IMO IMDG Code
The port also hosts a **Free‑Trade Zone (FTZ)** spanning **0.8 km²**, offering tax incentives and streamlined customs for multinational operators.
### 4. Connectivity
- **National Highway 13** links the port to Miri city and the interior road network.
- **Sarawak Railway** (proposed) will eventually provide rail freight integration; currently, a **dedicated truck terminal** accommodates up to **4,500 TEU/day**.
- **Fiber‑optic backbone** ensures real‑time data exchange between port users and the TOS, supporting **E‑Port** services such as **e‑manifest, e‑payment, and remote container tracking**.
---
## Economic Importance
The Port of Miri is a linchpin of Sarawak’s **gross domestic product (GDP)**, contributing an estimated **RM 3.2 billion** annually (≈ USD 750 million). Its economic impact stems from several sectors:
| Sector | Contribution | Primary Cargo |
|--------|--------------|---------------|
| **Oil & Gas** | ~ 45 % of port throughput | Crude oil, condensate, LPG, offshore equipment |
| **Timber & Pulp** | ~ 20 % | Log bundles, pulp, paper |
| **Manufacturing** | ~ 15 % | Steel, cement, consumer goods |
| **Agriculture** | ~ 10 % | Palm oil, rubber, cocoa beans |
| **Tourism & Cruise** | ~ 5 % | Passenger vessels, cruise ship provisioning |
The port’s **FTZ** has attracted over **30 multinational corporations**, including **Petronas, Shell, and Mitsui**, facilitating **foreign direct investment (FDI)** in upstream and downstream activities. Moreover, Miri’s proximity to the **Miri Oilfield** and the **Lukut–Bintulu** gas pipeline network enables it to act as the **primary export conduit for Malaysian liquefied natural gas (LNG)** destined for Asian markets.
Employment figures illustrate its social impact: **≈ 7,500** direct port jobs and an additional **≈ 18,000** indirect positions in logistics, services, and ancillary industries. The port’s continuous modernization aligns with Malaysia’s **National Maritime Policy (2004‑2025)**, emphasizing **sustainability**, **digitalisation**, and **regional integration**.
---
## Trade Routes & Major Cargo
### Trade Routes
- **Northwest Asia Corridor**: Regular liner services to **Singapore, Shanghai, and Busan**, supporting containerized trade.
- **South‑East Asian Loop**: Direct calls from **Jakarta, Manila, and Ho Chi Minh City**, facilitating bulk and break‑bulk cargo exchange.
- **Trans‑Pacific Link**: Occasional liner voyages to **Los Angeles and Vancouver**, primarily for **LNG and petrochemical cargoes**.
- **Inland Connectivity**: Road and river barges transport timber and agricultural commodities to the interior towns of **Malam** and **Bintulu**, reinforcing intra‑state trade.
The port participates in the **ASEAN Single Window** system, expediting customs clearance for ASEAN member state vessels and reinforcing its role in regional supply chains.
### Major Cargo
| Cargo Type | Annual Volume (2023) | Key Destinations |
|------------|----------------------|------------------|
| **Crude Oil** | 13 million t | Japan, South Korea, India |
| **LNG** | 5.2 million t | China, Taiwan, Philippines |
| **Containerised Goods** | 1.1 million TEU | Singapore, Hong Kong, Rotterdam |
| **Timber & Pulp** | 2.4 million m³ | China, Japan, EU |
| **Bulk Minerals** (cement, coal) | 3.6 million t | Indonesia, Philippines |
| **Perishables** (seafood, fruit) | 35 k t | Singapore, Vietnam |
The port’s **container throughput** grew at a **compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.3 %** between 2018‑2023, driven by the rise of **e‑commerce** and the expansion of **regional manufacturing hubs** in East Malaysia. The **Oil & Gas segment** remains dominant, with **Miri’s crude export tonnage representing ~ 12 %** of Malaysia’s total oil export volume.
---
### Outlook
Future development plans, detailed in the **Port of Miri Master Plan 2025‑2035**, envisage:
- **Expansion of container yard** capacity to **2.5 million m²**.
- **Deepening of the main channel** to **15 m draft**, enabling ultra‑large container vessels (ULCV).
- **Integration of a rail corridor** under the **East Coast Rail Link (ECRL)** project, providing a **multimodal logistics hub**.
- **Renewable energy initiatives**, including on‑site **solar farms** and **shore‑side electricity (SSE)** for vessels, aligning with IMO’s **2023 sulfur cap** and Malaysia’s **net‑zero by 2050** ambition.
These strategic investments aim to solidify Miri’s status as a **gateway port** for Borneo’s natural resources while supporting a **diversified, low‑carbon maritime economy**.
---
*For further technical specifications and real‑time vessel schedules, consult the official **Port of Miri – Vessel Tracking** portal.*
---
*References*
1. Sarawak Port Authority – History & Development. https://www.portofmiri.com.my/history
2. Malaysia Maritime Authority (MAST). https://www.mast.gov.my
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Port Intelligence
UN/LOCODE
MYMYY
Country
Malaysia
Province / Region
Sarawak
Latitude
4.399493
Longitude
113.991383
Timezone
Asia/Kuala_Lumpur
Nautical Map (OpenSeaMap)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the UN/LOCODE for Port of Miri, Sarawak?
The official UN/LOCODE for Port of Miri, Sarawak is MYMYY.
Where is Port of Miri, Sarawak located?
The Port of Miri, Sarawak is located in Malaysia, Sarawak. Its coordinates are 4.3995°N, 113.9914°E.
What time zone is Port of Miri, Sarawak in?
Port of Miri, Sarawak 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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