MPA opens three new berths at Tuas Port amidst vessel diversion challenges

The new berths will operate later this year.

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) said three additional berths will commence operations this year in the Tuas Port as Red Sea threats lead to the diversion of vessels, increasing arrivals at major ports, including those in Singapore. 

In a statement, MPA said the diversion of vessels around the Cape of Good Hope caused a “vessels bunching” effect across ports around the world.

“While most container vessels are berthed on arrival, port operator PSA has worked with liners to adjust arrival schedules where feasible, and where this is not feasible, the average waiting time for container vessels is about two to three days,” the MPA said.

The three new berths will be on top of the existing eight in Tuas Port, increasing its overall handling capacity. 

PSA plans to accelerate the commissioning of these new berths, MPA said. 

Prior to this, the Ministry of Transport and MPA have been working with PSA and the industry to prepare for the higher vessel arrival. 

PSA reactivated older berths and yards previously decanted at Keppel Terminal, increasing the number of containers handled weekly from 770,000 TEUs to 820,000 TEUs.