Welcome to our Deep Dive Blog Series. Throughout this series, we will look at different locations around the globe to analyze some of the aspects that make them ideal candidates for the installation of our seasteading communities. These seasteads will be designed to withstand different forces and pressures from natural and man-made environments. Each location has been identified by Arktide as a place that would be strategic and fundamental in connecting our seasteading communities to existing global networks.
With that being said, let us introduce you to Port Klang, Malaysia.
Port Klang, the 12th busiest port in the world, is both a town and the main gateway by sea into Malaysia. Known during colonial times as Port Swettenham, and renamed Port Klang in July 1972, it is the largest port in the country, situated on the West coast of the Malaysian Peninsula at the North end of the Strait of Malacca. It is located about 6 km (3.7 mi) southwest of the town of Klang, and 38 km (24 mi) southwest of Kuala Lumpur. The port is well sheltered by surrounding islands that form a natural enclosure. It also serves as the port for the Klang Valley, Malaysia’s most developed region where the capital Kuala Lumpur is located.
Under British control after 1874, Port Klang was selected as their administrative center. In 1880, the British transferred their capital to the Kuala Lumpur mining center, but Port Klang was still important, as it continued to be the main export point for tin. Port Klang and the city of Kelang were a gateway to the central region during the tin rush of the 19th Century. The coming of the railroad in 1886 enhanced that position and the area developed quickly after that.
Port Klang consists of three distinct ports, known as North Port, South Port, and West Port. South Port is the oldest port and much quieter than the other two, mainly serving ferries and small boats. North Port can be considered the largest port, handling most of Malaysia’s imports and exports. North Port is located about 40 km from Kuala Lumpur. The costs incurred by importers and exporters at North Port are usually lower than that of West Port. West Port is located on the island of Pulau Indah (or “Beautiful Island”) and there is only one bridge linking it to the “mainland”. West Port grew based on being an expert in handling transshipment cargo. Today, West Port has also grown as an entry point into Malaysia. The area around West Port is also growing as a logistics hub with specialized industries and logistics centers being built.
Its proximity to the greater Klang Valley, the commercial and industrial hub of the country as well as the country’s most populous region, ensures that the port plays a pivotal role in the economic development of the country. Port Klang is currently being developed as the National Load Center and eventually a hub for the region. The port has trade connections with over 120 countries and dealings with more than 500 ports around the world. Port Klang has made a name for itself as an efficient port with good infrastructure. Due to this, and its strategic location, the port has emerged as a gateway for entry into the Southeast Asia market.
After the institution of the Port Klang Authority, the Northport and Westport went into privatization. The Port Klang Authority (PKA) is a statutory corporation established in July 1963, to take over the administration of Port Klang from the Malayan Railway Administration. In 1986 the container terminal facilities were privatized to Klang Container Terminal Berhad. The remaining operational facilities and services of the port were privatized to Klang Port Management in 1992. With the divestment of the operational facilities and services of the port to three distinct entities under three separate privatization exercises, the Authority has taken on an enhanced role of a trade facilitator, regulator, and landlord.
Port Klang’s climate is classified as tropical. Severe weather at Port Klang is rare and both the south and north ports are protected by the natural configuration of land. The tidal currents run with considerable strength but were found not to exceed 3 knots. This is important, as our Arkpad platforms are designed to perform best in calm waters while allowing for a small range of water movement and force.
Port Klang is a city with a significant rainfall. Even in the driest month, there is a lot of rain, with annual rainfall being 2174 mm (85.6 in). Precipitation is the lowest in June, with an average of 104 mm (4.1 in). Most of the precipitation falls in November, averaging 322 mm (12.7 in). Between the driest and wettest months, the difference in precipitation is 218 mm (9 in).
The average temperature in Port Klang is 26.8 °C (80.3 °F). June is the hottest month of the year, with an average temperature of 27.5 °C (81.5 °F). January is the coldest month, with temperatures averaging 26.0 °C (78.9 °F). Throughout the year, temperatures vary by 1.5 °C (2.6 °F). Constant Temperatures are beneficial when it comes to growing food in our seasteading communities. Rainfall is also a contributing factor when thinking about the amount of food production that is possible.
The average water temperature during the year in Port Klang (Strait of Malacca) is 29.6°C (85.28°F). The maximum water temperature over the months is about 30.5°C (86.9°F). This is usually reached in May, while the lowest water temperature is usually measured in February at about 28.5°C (83.3°F). With the surface water being a constant warm temperature, and the deeper ocean water being a constant cooler temperature it is possible to create energy using OTEC (ocean thermal energy conversion) systems year-round.
After taking a closer look at the characteristics of this port city, we can see that it has great potential. There are many possible use cases when it comes to our ArkPad design, as the climate in the area is favorable, and the port is quickly expanding. With an economy based on transport and logistics, Arkpad communities could help expand some of their administrative, storage, and even commerce infrastructure onto floating platforms, allowing for even quicker expansion as a regional hub, and as a strategic node for global networks.
