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The Port of Singapore has achieved a historic milestone by recording an unparalleled three billion gross tonnage (GT) in annual vessel arrival tonnage. This significant feat was highlighted by the notable arrival of the ONE OLYMPUS, a Singapore-flagged containership with an impressive 98,799 GT, at the Pasir Panjang Terminal.
Chee Hong Tat, Acting Minister for Transport, emphasised the significance of this accomplishment during his presence at the event. He highlighted a crucial factor contributing to Singapore’s maritime success – the robust tripartite cooperation between unions, industry players and the government.
Acting Minister Chee underscored the challenge faced by others attempting to replicate Singapore’s success, emphasising the difficulty in recreating the trusted tripartite ecosystem that propels Maritime Singapore ahead of the competition.
“This is one of the key elements which gives us an edge to stay ahead of the competition and to take Maritime Singapore to even greater heights,” Acting Minister Chee remarked.
The achievement is not only about the present success but also reflects a strategic vision to tackle both near-term challenges and plan for the medium to longer-term horizons. As part of this foresight, Singapore is forging ahead with the development of its next-generation container port at Tuas.
In the past year, significant progress has been made in Tuas Port Phase 1, marked by the addition of three more operational berths, bringing the total to eight. The reclamation works for Tuas Port Phase 2 are currently 70% complete, with plans for Tuas Port Phase 3 reclamation well underway.
In a bid towards resource sustainability and resilience, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) is exploring the innovative use of treated landfill mixed materials from Semakau Landfill as an alternative to sand for reclamation.
Tuas Port isn’t just about expansion; it’s a vision for creating a green and sustainable port. The adoption of electrified equipment and vehicles will replace diesel-powered prime movers, leading to a significant reduction in carbon emissions.
The commitment extends further, with aspirations for net-zero emissions if electricity production reaches that milestone. Tuas Port’s super low energy building, designed for optimal efficiency, is poised to achieve almost 60% in energy savings compared to similar-sized structures, generating sufficient solar energy to offset its entire electricity consumption.
Parallel to these sustainability initiatives, Singapore is steering towards enhanced port efficiency. The October implementation of the digitalPORT@SG Just-In-Time Planning and Coordination Platform represents a significant leap in this direction.
The platform, providing near real-time data on vessel and port resources, not only streamlines arrival and departure planning for vessels but is also environmentally friendly and financially advantageous.This digital innovation reduces carbon emissions through shorter port stays and optimised voyage planning.
This groundbreaking initiative is set to extend its benefits to tankers berthing at energy terminals and all vessels calling at the anchorages in 2024. The emphasis on digital platforms, electrification, and smart infrastructure positions the nation as a leader in technological advancement within the sector. In the digital economy, industries characterised by cutting-edge technologies and innovation are better positioned for global competitiveness.
The Port of Singapore’s remarkable achievement and unwavering commitment to digitalisation in the maritime sector have profound implications for the digital economy. Besides, as the nation leads in digitalisation within the maritime sector, the potential for technology transfer and knowledge exchange opens doors to a future where digital best practices shape the global maritime landscape.
