PORT KLANG: Port and logistics operator NCB Holdings Bhd expects to improve its overall asset utilisation rate to 90% by the end of next year from 75% currently, as it seeks to ensure sustainable performance and business profitability, said group managing director Abi Sofian Abdul Hamid.

"We plan to be in the black every year. We have put in various measures such as revamping the organisational structure and identifying the right people for the right job. We will push (NCB's logistics arm) Kontena Nasional Bhd to return to the black next year,"  he told reporters after the signing of a corporate integrity pledge by NCB chairman Tun Ahmad Sarji Abdul Hamid today.

Abi Sofian said NCB would announce its detailed business plan in the middle of next month.

NCB slipped into the red in the third quarter ended Sept 30, 2014 (3QFY14), posting a net loss of RM2.3 million compared with a net profit of RM2.81 million in 2QFY14, on accumulated losses from Kontena Nasional.

However, for the nine-month period (9MFY14), the group managed to maintain its profitability despite posting a smaller net profit of RM5.27 million compared with RM56.53 million a year ago.

On Kontena Nasional, Abi Sofian said the group would revisit its distribution business and cease non-profitable segments such as the trucking unit.

"Under the current rationalisation plan, we have ceased our cross border trucking operations which we deem as unprofitable. More cost-cutting measures will follow suit," he added.

For 9MFY14, Kontena Nasional saw its pre-tax loss narrowed to RM27.09 million from RM50.63 million previously.

As for its port operations, Abi Sofian said tender to upgrade its Wharf 16 had closed and construction is expected to commence in the first quarter of next year.

"At the moment, Wharf 8A and Wharf 16 is operational and will cater for larger ships to realise its full potential by attracting larger shipping clients," he said.

For 9MFY14, Northport (Malaysia) Bhd handled lower container volume of 1.89 million TEUs (20-foot equivalent units) from 2.18 million TEUs a year ago.