CONTAINER operations in Timor-Leste have officially transferred to the new deepwater Tibar Bay port, resulting in changes to some shipping schedules.

Tibar Bay port began cargo operations on 30 September after a successful trial phase involving Kota Dunia and Delatan Damai, the first containerships to visit the port.

The Tibar Bay project has been underway since plans for the new port took shape in 2016. It is now in its first stages of operation ahead of an official launch in November.

It was built to alleviate congestion building around the nearby Port of Dili, which was the only international port in Timor-Leste until now.

Bolloré Transport & Logistics, parent company of operator Timor Port, said the new port in Tibar Bay would aim to achieve productivity and performance levels in line with those of the world’s biggest ports.

“We are proud of the completion of this project, which we have been working on for several years,” Timor Port managing director Laurent Palayer said.

“The new Tibar Bay port combines the latest innovations in equipment and operating systems and will be able to accommodate all types of vessels.”

Olivier de Noray, managing director of Bolloré Ports, thanked Timorese authorities Tibar Bay teams and partners who joined forces to complete the project.

“This new infrastructure is a perfect illustration of our expertise in the port sector,” he said.

“Its commissioning will provide new opportunities and will promote regional and international trade.”

The Timor-Leste government said in a statement that Tibar Bay port would offer better conditions for the movement of import and export goods and have a handling capacity of one million containers per year.

“The port includes a double berth quay which will be used to reduce delays in container unloading, including transaction costs, to facilitate efficient customs services and commercial activities,” it said.

“This new, modern port will facilitate Timor-Leste’s maritime connectivity in the Asian region, linking Timor-Leste to global trade markets, and will increase Timor-Leste’s trade access to goods in areas such as agriculture, tourism, fisheries, livestock as well as other industries.”

The official launch of the Tibar Bay port will take place on 30 November 2022 to coincide with the anniversary of Timor-Leste’s proclamation of independence.

With container operations having been transferred to Tibar Bay, Port of Dili is now closed to containership operations.

However, Dili will continue to operate domestic passenger ships and international cruise ships under a plan to transform it into a tourism and trading point.  

Swire Shipping, which has been offering a direct, fortnightly service between Singapore and Dili, has reflected the transfer to Tibar Bay in its schedule, updating local charges for the handling of cargo in the new port.

“Swire Shipping’s updated local charges reflect this upgrade and the difference in costs that we will incur and that need to be recovered,” it said.