TANCO Group’s AI-powered container port project, Midport, officially began construction in Port Dickson, Malaysia, after receiving key development approvals in July 2026. The Port Dickson Municipal Council approved the construction plans and issued the official development certificate to TANCO's 79%-owned subsidiary Midports Holdings on July 10, 2026 [1]. The formal groundbreaking ceremony was held on July 14, 2026, and officiated by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, alongside Transport Minister Wee Ka Siong and Negeri Sembilan caretaker Menteri Besar Aminuddin Harun [2].
Midport spans 480 acres and features a deepwater berth over 21 meters deep, capable of handling large container ships [3]. The port will include a 1.5-kilometer jetty with six berths and aims for an annual capacity of 8 million TEUs once fully operational [2]. It is designed as a technology-driven logistics hub incorporating AI automation, smart logistics, and green technologies to improve efficiency and sustainability [3, 1]. TANCO Group described the project as paving the way for the next phase of an AI-driven container port, with technology central to operations [1].
The project is estimated to require initial infrastructure investment of around USD 850 million (MYR 3.47 billion), fully funded by private capital [2]. Early site works have started under a MYR 3.53 billion framework agreement with CCCC Dredging Southeast Asia [2]. Hong Kong-based Pacific Basin Port Operations has been appointed as the terminal operator [2]. Midport will integrate with the adjacent 600-acre Port Dickson Free Zone, developed by another TANCO subsidiary, to provide warehousing, manufacturing, and logistics facilities [2].
The port and related developments are expected to create about 5,000 direct and indirect jobs [2]. TANCO has secured support and approvals from the Malaysian Maritime Authority and Ministry of Transport to proceed with marine operations and construction [3, 2]. The project first launched on January 15, 2024, and is now recognized as a national strategic priority under Malaysia Vision Valley 2.0 E zone [2]. TANCO also signed non-binding MoUs with China’s Shandong Port Qingdao Port Group for possible participation and financing support, as well as with COSCO Shipping Ports for cooperation discussions [3, 2].
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said the project “shows how strategic private capital can accelerate the nation’s economic agenda around artificial intelligence and employment creation without using public funds.” He called the port a private-sector-led effort supported by federal and state governments [2].
Construction is expected to take about 42 months, targeting commencement of port operations in 2029 or 2030 [2]. The port council approval, subsequent development permits, and ceremonial groundbreaking mark significant milestones toward a fully automated AI container port in Malaysia.
