World Travel GuidesSwettenham Pier, Penang


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Swettenham Pier, Penang
Swettenham Pier, Penang (5 June, 2010)
© Timothy Tye using this photo












Swettenham Pier is the port located on the northeastern tip of George Town. It comprises Swettenham Pier and the newly completed Swettenham Cruise Terminal.

Swettenham Pier was established in 1903, at the height of shipping activity in the Penang Ports. It was named after Frank Athelstane Swettenham (1850-1946), the first Resident General of the Federated Malay States between 1896 and 1901. The port in Klang was named Port Swettenham in his honour.


The new terminal of Swettenham Pier
The new terminal of Swettenham Pier (5 June, 2010)
© Timothy Tye using this photo

Swettenham Pier has two berths with are 366 meters in length, and have a depth of 9.5 meters. It is the berthing place for cruise liners that call on George Town.

At time of writing (April 2010), Swettenham Pier is at the final stages of an expansion programme which began in May 2006. The expansion was supposed to be completed in November 2007. Unfortunately it was delayed due to technical problems and financial difficulties faced by the main contractor.

The latest date provided for the completion of the expansion programme is now September 2010. The cost has also escalated to RM55.4 million, which means it costs the Federal Government an additional 21 million over the original estimate.

With the expansion of Swettenham Pier, Penang will be able to receive larger cruise ships.

How to reach Swettenham Pier

From the Weld Quay Bus Terminal, just walk north along Weld Quay (Pengkalan Weld) and you will reach Swettenham Pier at the corner between Weld Quay and King Edward's Place (Pesara King Edward).

Location Map of Swettenham Pier


View Swettenham Pier in a larger map

Photos of Swettenham Pier

Swettenham Pier Passenger Terminal
Swettenham Pier Passenger Terminal (4 April, 2010)
© Timothy Tye using this photo

Cruise liner at Swettenham Pier
Cruise liner at Swettenham Pier (4 April, 2010)
© Timothy Tye using this photo

Swettenham Pier as seen from the Malayan Railway Clocktower
Swettenham Pier as seen from the Malayan Railway Clocktower (4 April, 2010)
© Timothy Tye using this photo

Japanese wharf of Swettenham Pier
Japanese wharf of Swettenham Pier (5 June, 2010)
© Timothy Tye using this photo

Japanese wharf of Swettenham Pier
Japanese wharf of Swettenham Pier (4 April, 2010)
© Timothy Tye using this photo

Old warehouse of Swettenham Pier
Old warehouse of Swettenham Pier (5 June, 2010)
© Timothy Tye using this photo






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