PSA International and Tianjin Port Group (TPG) have signed a strategic agreement to boost ties and foster greater co-operation.

TPG group president Tian Chang Song and PSA group CEO Tan Chong Meng signed the agreement and TPG chairman Yu Ru Min and PSA group chairman Fock Siew Wah witnessed it on 18 May.

Both companies have extensive collaboration on Chinese port projects. PSA has invested in two Tianjin Port container terminals - Tianjin Port Pacific International Container Terminal (TPCT) and Tianjin Port Alliance International Container Terminal (TACT).

TACT started operations in January 2007 while TPCT started in January 2008.

In 2011, both container terminals achieved 3.4 million TEUs in total volume, 26.5% more than 2010.

The two facilities have 10 berths and can handle the biggest container ships, making Tianjin Port attractive for mega container vessels in Northeast Asia.

With the agreement, the two companies will seek further collaboration and expansion.

TPG group president Tian Chang Song says it is another critical milestone in TPG's relationship with PSA. "Both organisations recognise the tremendous potential of Tianjin Port as a major container hub port in the Bohai Rim to support the further development of industries and hinterland investments in Northeast China. Together, TPG and PSA aim to ensure Tianjin Port will be a world-class facility for global container shipping."

TPG is owned by Tianjin Municipality Government, and responsible for Tianjin Port's overall management and development.

PSA International is one of the world's leading global port groups, with flagship operations in PSA Singapore Terminals and PSA Antwerp. It participates in 29 port projects in 17 countries in Asia, Europe and the Americas.