New facility Marina South Wharves inaugurated in Singapore
The new Marina South Wharves (MSW) was officially opened on September 6th in a ceremony attended by officials from the Ministry of Transport, Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), and management and staff of Jurong Port Pte Ltd. The ceremony was officiated by Mr Pang Kin Keong, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transport, the MPA press release said.
Developed by MPA at a cost of $16 million, MSW will complement the existing lighter terminal at Penjuru. MSW will be particularly useful for lighter operators serving ships in the Eastern anchorages, given the shorter travelling distances and thus lower operating costs.
MPA has appointed Jurong Port Pte Ltd as the operator of MSW. Jurong Port Pte Ltd is also the operator of Penjuru Terminal.
Speaking at the official opening, Mr Lam Yi Young, Chief Executive, MPA said, "The lighter industry provides a vital service and is an integral part of Maritime Singapore. The lighter facilities serve as a conduit for the delivery of critical ship stores and supplies to vessels in the Port of Singapore. MSW will provide quicker access to Singapore's Eastern anchorages and this will allow for cost savings while boosting service levels."
Mr Matthew Chan, Chief Executive Officer, Jurong Port Pte Ltd added, "We look forward to operating MSW to the highest level of efficiency through the innovative use of IT and other technologies."
Lighter terminals are used by lighter operators to ferry goods to ships in the anchorages. Lighter operations involve the use of small lighter craft to deliver a wide range of goods to ships. These include household items, edibles, medicines, ropes, lubricants, ship machinery and other spare parts.
MSW is purpose-built with crane lifting, cargo handling, mooring and berth facilities to meet the needs of ship suppliers and lighter operators. The development comprises a 100-metres wharf structure and a single storey administration building. Jurong Port Pte Ltd has implemented a new Lighter Wharf Management System (LWMS) at MSW to streamline transactions. The system reduces paper consumption and eliminates manual processes. MSW is also equipped with wireless internet coverage to enable mobile transactions via the LWMS.
About the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA)
The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) was established on 2 February 1996, with the mission to develop Singapore as a premier global hub port and international maritime centre (IMC), and to advance and safeguard Singapore's strategic maritime interests. MPA is the driving force behind Singapore's port and maritime development, taking on the roles of Port Authority, Port Regulator, Port Planner, IMC Champion, and National Maritime Representative. MPA partners the industry and other agencies to enhance safety, security and environmental protection in our port waters, facilitate port operations and growth, expand the cluster of maritime ancillary services, and promote maritime R&D and manpower development.
About Jurong Port Pte Ltd
Headquartered in Singapore, Jurong Port is a leading international multi-purpose port operator handling general, bulk, and containerised cargo. Jurong Port began operations in 1965 as a general and bulk cargo port, serving the development needs of Singapore's Jurong industrial estate. With developments over the years, the port has expanded its role to serve Singapore and the world. In 2001, the port was corporatised, and became a fully owned subsidiary of Jurong Town Corporation. Today, Jurong Port is Singapore's main gateway for general and bulk cargo.
