Channel NewsAsia 23 Apr 15;
SINGAPORE: The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) on Thursday (Apr 23) signed a S$2.42 billion agreement with Dredging International Asia Pacific-Daelim Joint Venture for works on Tuas Terminal Phase 1.
Under the agreement, the contractors will dredge the waters, construct the wharves and reclaim 294 hectares of land. The project will also tap the capabilities of local companies. The deal was signed during the MPA's inaugural Singapore Maritime Technology Conference on Thursday.
Works had started on Feb 28 this year, and the project is expected to be completed by Dec 27, 2020. This is the first contract awarded for the Tuas project, which is part of the country's efforts to consolidate its port activities in Tuas.
Speaking at the event, Senior Minister of State for Transport Josephine Teo announced a series of initiatives that MPA will roll out to leverage on technology and R&D to raise productivity and strengthen Singapore's maritime sector.
MPA will be launching a series of calls for proposal to cover new areas for potential research and test-bedding of technology solutions under its Maritime Innovation and Technology (MINT) Fund. The first call for proposal will be launched in June this year.
The agency will also extend its Green Technology Programme by another 5 years until 2021 and commit another S$25 million to it. The programme was first launched in 2011.
Mr Andrew Tan, Chief Executive of MPA, said: "The conference provides a platform for maritime experts and the industry to come together to share how port and maritime R&D and technology can be leveraged to sustain our competitive edge."
- CNA/kk
