Interview with
Mr. Dennis Tan
Group Managing Director
Dennis, first off, how did you get into logistics in the first place? What made you choose this kind of career?
Logistics has been my bloodline ever since I was born. Our family has been in the logistics businesses since my Great Grandfather’s time when they were in the FMCG (Fast Moving Consumer Goods -.ed) distribution business. My grandfather was in the heavy transportation and heavy lift businesses and was operating as a port contractor in the 50s.
As the company evolved over time, I always dreamt to be one of the specialised logistics pioneers in the area of an integrated projects logistics service provider in our region. Therefore, I studied engineering and international business and graduated from Monash University.
The moment I leapt out from the university, my mindset has been very clear and focused: I wanted to develop a company that added value to the family business which is to provide Integrated Projects Logistics Services.
I was blessed to work in CNC Line (under CMA CGM group) to operate the special cargo division and also handle equipment as a box operator for special equipment in the early days of my career.
As cargoes get BIGGER and more challenging, I came across and met some of the industry veterans that have been willing to mentor me through their experience in vessel chartering (Breakbulk / Dry bulk / Roro, etc.). This is how I have mastered my other areas of expertise (other than the inland transport business which has always been in my blood line).
To me, project logistics gives me a lot of memories and challenges that I will never forget during my lifetime. I appreciate every project that is taking place as it enables me to understand the economy and industries better in the macro-economic perspective. Every project requires critical thinking. I like to troubleshoot those technical difficulties and overcome them as every project completion gives a nice level of satisfaction!
What can you tell us about the history and background of TERA Projects & Shipping?
Tera was established in 2013. Tera started with a common director from the heavy transport company that provided us the “backbone” to our local heavy transportation needs.
With my past experiences as a box operator and on the special cargo desk during my early career time, and my experience in vessel chartering and Charter Party Agreement, we have evolved over time to handle more and more complex logistics requirements.
We immediately established another division in warehousing and FMCG to fulfil the requirements of our local and international clients for needs other than project logistics.
We also established two offices in India (Chennai and Mumbai). Our India office is our main chartering desk today and specializes in combination cargo (proposed by our clients globally) and proposing to vessel owners on a voyage charter basis to provide more competitive solutions to our client.
With our tag line “A Name You Can Trust”, we emphasize quality services, reliability, and integrity. We uphold our mission and vision statement very well and that also created the bonding and trust from our partners whether locally or internationally to entrust their cargoes to us.
I know that you have handled several spectacular projects involving heavylift and OOG cargoes. Does anyone in particular come to your mind and might you share some information & pictures with our readers?
Project Experience – Memorable Heavy Lift & OOG Projects
Tera Projects & Shipping has executed numerous complex projects over the past 13 years, particularly in heavy lift and out-of-gauge (OOG) cargo.
One standout project involved the transportation of flexible hose reels from Wudi, China to Pasir Gudang, Malaysia for Petronas.
- Key challenges:
Extremely tight project timeline
Requirement to mobilise feeder barge and floating crane
Sub-zero weather conditions, causing the river to freeze and block access - Critical turning point:
Despite full planning, the frozen river became a major execution barrier
A decisive call was made to deploy an ice-breaking tug to create a navigable path - Outcome:
Cargo was successfully collected and connected to a Heavy Lift Vessel (HLV) in Shanghai
Final delivery required offshore transfer using HLV due to crane outreach limitations
Project completed within schedule, supported by strong SOPs and risk assessment
Picture for Wudi (Flexible hose) (YouTube Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t-zFgeN7UAM )
Another significant project involved a large-scale plant decommissioning in Kerteh for Petronas:
- Scope equivalent to two football fields
- Required:
Systematic dismantling
Barcoding and match-marking for reassembly at destination
- Key challenges:
Strict timeline without compromising safety standards
Managing complex logistics for oversized components - Notable execution:
Transported cargo with 8-meter diameter
Overcame multiple physical constraints:
§ Pedestrian bridges
§ High-tension wires
§ Traffic infrastructure - Outcome:
Months of planning and coordination led to successful delivery to Kemaman Port
Became one of the tallest cargo movements along that route
Project attracted public attention, with communities gathering to witness the transport
Picture for Petronas PVC decommissioning (YouTube link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mp_P5ze7xss )
There are many competitors in Malaysia and SE Asia overall. What makes you stand out and what in your view are the advantages of TERA in the market?
Competitive Positioning & Market Advantage
· Tera adopts a “frenemy” philosophy:
o Competitors are also collaborators and strategic partners
o Project logistics often requires shared capabilities and specialised equipment
· Core strengths:
o Strong regional and global partner network
o Ability to collaborate seamlessly for complex project execution
o Access to specialised assets (e.g., skids, gantries, heavy transport systems)
· Market adaptability:
o Actively supporting emerging sectors such as data centre logistics
o Capable of handling high-volume movements within compressed timelines
· Client approach:
o Acts as a single point of coordination
o Ensures end-to-end project management for client convenience
· Operating principles:
o Professionalism
o Integrity
o Reliability
o Transparency in risk analysis and cost management
· Proven track record supported by:
o Long-term client relationships
o Written testimonials
o Consistent delivery performance
Malaysia has an Eastern and a Western part I believe. For many who are not familiar with Malaysia, can you elaborate a little on the ports being used in your country (main ports) for project cargoes?
Malaysia Ports & Project Cargo Landscape
Malaysia consists of: Peninsular Malaysia and East Malaysia (Sabah & Sarawak, Borneo)
Peninsular Malaysia – Key Ports:
- Port Klang (primary hub; Tera’s base) – Central Region
- Port of Tanjung Pelepas (PTP) – Southern Region
- Pasir Gudang Port – Southern Region
- Penang Port – Northern Region
- Kuantan Port – East Coast Region
- Kemaman Port – East Coast Region
Insights:
Port Klang is the main hub for breakbulk and project cargo:
o Higher traffic of HLV and RORO vessels
o Strong inland connectivity across the peninsula
Other ports are used depending on:
o Cargo volume
o Inducement cost feasibility
o Wharf limitations and tariff structures
East Malaysia – Key Ports:
- Bintulu Port (Sarawak)
- Kota Kinabalu Port (Sabah)
- Labuan Port (Oil & Gas hub)
Practical recommendation:
o For efficiency, cargo is often routed via:
§ Port Klang or
§ Singapore
o Followed by feeder or multimodal transhipment
Tera capability:
o Strong connectivity with feeder operators
o Flexible solutions based on cargo size and weight
What is your opinion about the customer service level of some of the shipping lines nowadays? We have heard a lot about their lack of it from other interviewees.
While digitalisation and AI are advancing globally, shipping still relies heavily on human interaction. The key reality is that logistics is time-sensitive. Delays can result in demurrage, detention, penalties, and operational downtime.
Tera’s approach prioritises immediate communication and responsiveness. We select our partners based on their reliability and service quality — not just pricing.
Our viewpoint is that customer service remains a critical differentiator in carrier selection, and that strong service levels directly impact project success.
The Malaysian market is big, but it is also a major transhipment hub for other places in SE Asia. Are you able to arrange and facilitate transhipment as well via Malaysia? Any recommendations as to ports to be used in this regard?
Malaysia serves as a major regional transhipment hub, especially for containerised cargo.
Tera’s capabilities include our ability to facilitate cargo transhipment via Port Klang. This supports movements where direct shipping routes are unavailable and special handling or multimodal solutions are required such as barging oversized cargoes from Port Klang to an East Malaysian port on transhipment.
How is the market so far for you in 2026, and what is your opinion of the remainder of the year?
As far as our 2026 performance, there was a strong and promising start to the year.
Growth drivers include completion of major infrastructure projects and increasing domestic logistics demand. Key sectors contributing to this growth include renewable energy, manufacturing, electrical & electronics, and power sector (emerging).
In terms of an economic context, Malaysia recorded 5.2% GDP growth in 2025. The forecast for 2026 is approximately 4.7% GDP growth.
The outlook is in anticipation of increased domestic project movements and a positive momentum for the logistics and heavy cargo sectors.
How would it be best for our readers to get in touch with you?
Clients may contact us at projects@terashipping.com
Or to me personally at dennis@terashipping.com (Mobile No.: +6012-6988219)