All-time highs in cargo and containers handled, vessel arrival tonnage, and bunker fuel sales
Jonathan Kwok Straits Times 13 Jan 12;
SINGAPORE'S port beat several records last year, against the tide of global economic uncertainty and challenges faced by the shipping industry.
The strong growth in shipping activity cemented the Republic's position as one of the world's busiest ports, as it retained the top spot in a number of industry-wide indicators.
According to advance data announced last night by Transport Minister Lui Tuck Yew, all-time highs for Singapore's port were achieved in terms of cargo and containers handled, tonnage of vessels arriving and bunker fuel sales.
The early data shows that the number of containers handled last year grew by 5.3 per cent to 29.9 million standard-sized containers, marginally exceeding 2008's record high, said Mr Lui.
In 2010, Singapore was overtaken by Shanghai as the world's busiest port in terms of containers handled. Last month, China released figures showing Shanghai handled at least 30 million containers, beating Singapore's latest figures.
Vessel tonnage and bunker fuel sales also beat records set in 2010.
Total vessel arrival tonnage - which refers to the cargo-carrying capacity of ships calling here, rather than their weight - is projected to have grown 10.4 per cent to 2.12 billion gross tons last year. And sales of bunker fuel, a fuel type used by ships, are expected to have risen 5.6 per cent to 43.2 million tonnes.
In short, all these mean Singapore is right up there among the top ports of the world, holding the top spot in terms of vessel arrival tonnage and sales of bunker fuel.
Singapore is also one of the top 10 ship registries in the world. As of end-December last year, the total tonnage of ships under the Singapore flag had grown 17.6 per cent to 57.4 million gross tons.
The maritime sector plays a key role in the economy, employing more than 170,000 people and contributing 7 per cent of economic output.
Said Mr Lui, who was speaking at a New Year cocktail reception held by the Singapore Maritime Foundation (SMF): 'For Singapore, it is important that we do well as an international maritime centre, that we continue to attract a diverse range of players that enhance the breadth and depth of services that are available here.
'Last year we welcomed players like (insurance companies) Arthur J. Gallagher and Starr Managing Agents, maritime legal practice Mayer Brown JSM, and The Bank of Fukuoka.'
Singapore is also building infrastructure in anticipation of growing demand, noted Mr Lui. The Republic continued to expand port capacity at the Pasir Panjang Terminal, and launched a third Port Operations Control Centre at Changi to enhance navigational safety.
Government initiatives have been unveiled to support shipowners and service providers, to train manpower for the industry, and help reduce the environmental impact of shipping.
One of the green shipping initiatives, administered by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore, received a boost yesterday. Some 15 organisations signed the Maritime Singapore Green Pledge, in which they committed to supporting and promoting clean and green shipping here.
The newcomers, including ship classification society DNV and units of Japan-based shipping company NYK Line, joined 12 others that signed the Green Pledge last year.
'It's a good success story,' said Captain Michael Elwert, a director at Thome Ship Management, a third-party ship manager based here. 'Singapore has good policies in place and other countries try to emulate it.'
But it may not be smooth sailing this year across the industry generally.
SMF chairman Michael Chia warned that 'the ride ahead will become rougher, tougher before it turns for the better'.
'Many companies, especially those in the container shipping and dry-bulk sectors, would need to streamline their operations and make bold moves to restructure their business strategies to ensure their commercial viability,' he said.
But he noted that the shipyards and offshore engineering sector can expect to see strong activity, underpinned by high oil prices.
Yesterday also saw the reappointment of Mr Chia as SMF's chairman, and two changes to its board.
