Port of Singapore still world's busiest

Minister of Transport proclaims as port marks 2 billion GT milestone.

Strong yoy growth of 10.2% for the first 11 months pushed the annual vessel arrival tonnage over the 2 billion GT level for the first time ever, said Mr. Lui Tuck Yew, Minister of Transport, in a speech.

Other vital statistics such as container throughput and bunker sales are also expanding despite the global slowdown. Port authorities plan to spur growth even further with terminal expansions and a $1-million port technology contest.

"The crossing of two billion gross tons in annual vessel arrival tonnage reflects the strong growth achieved by the Port of Singapore, in spite of the current uncertainty in the global economy. For the first 11 months of this year, our port registered 10.2% year-on-year growth in vessel arrival tonnage. This has enabled Singapore to maintain our position as the world's busiest port by vessel arrival tonnage. Over the same period, container throughput has also increased by about 4.8% to 27.3 million TEUs. As the world’s top bunkering hub, we have sold 39.3 million tonnes of bunkers up till November this year and are set to surpass last year’s record of 40.9 million tonnes in annual bunker sales," said Mr. Lui Tuck Yew.

"To sustain our hub port leadership, Singapore will continue to invest to grow capacity with the expansion of Pasir Panjang Terminal. We have also launched a new Port Operations Control Centre at Changi to enhance the safety of navigation as demand on our port and shipping lanes grow. These initiatives will ensure that the Port of Singapore can accommodate not just more ships but also the largest container ships which are coming on stream," he added.

"Besides growing capacity, our port must also continue to enhance productivity and meet new demands on safety, security and environmental sustainability. To spur innovation in the container port sector, MPA and the Singapore Maritime Institute will launch the Next Generation Container Port Challenge at the Singapore Maritime Week next April. With a top prize of US$1 million, I hope that this competition can attract the best ideas for achieving a quantum leap in future container port design and technology," he said further.