Singapore maritime infrastructure is often referred to as a Gateway to Asia. There are over 5000 companies employing over 100,000 people. The maritime industry contributes to over seven per cent of the country’s gross domestic product.
It is truly a gateway for global leaders in shipping, finance, ship broking, risk management and marine insurance. It is also the epicenter for maritime law and arbitration and is one of the important players in the offshore and marine engineering industry.
International maritime organizations and associations like the Baltic Exchange, Asian Ship owner’s Forum, International Bunker Industry Association, International Association of Independent Tanker Owners and Baltic and International Maritime Council have established their headquarters and representative offices in Singapore.
Being at the epicenter of a network of trade routes and well connected to more than 600 ports in over 120 countries, Singapore is a key hub port.
The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) monitors and regulates the development of ports in Singapore, working in tandem with port operators and shipping companies. In terms of shipping tonnage, Singapore is the busiest port in the world, with around 140,000 vessels docking at the Singapore port annually. At the Pasir Panjang container terminal, new super post Panamax quay cranes have been pressed into service for the biggest container vessel, the Emma Maersk.
Singapore is one of the most important bunkering ports in the world, lifting nearly 30 million tones of bunkers annually. Other important marine services available are pilot age, towage, fresh water supply, crew changes, ship supplies and slop disposal. Singapore is the world’s third largest petrochemical refiner and operates the most technically advanced and efficient shipbuilding and ship repair facilities in Southeast Asia.
International Maritime Centre
Singapore prominence as an International Maritime Centre (IMC) is on the basis of it’s recognition as a global maritime hub. By working with experts like shipbrokers and charterers, marine insurers, maritime law practices and banks, MPA plans to expand the scope of maritime services in Singapore.
Singapore's position as a global hub to investors has been recognized by independent studies:
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Awards/Recognition
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Certifying Body
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Most Competitive Asian Economy
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World Competitive Report 2007
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World’s easiest place to do business
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World Bank Report: “Doing Business 2007”
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Most Cost-Competitive Place for Business
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KMPG Competitive Alternatives Study, 2006
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World’s Business Environment Ranking (#3 in world, #1 in Asia)
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EU Country Forecast, Feb 2008
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Singapore: 2nd Most Technological Ready nation in Asia
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Global Competitiveness Report 2006-2007
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Singapore: Best Quality for Port Infrastructure
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Global Competitiveness Report 2006-2007
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Singapore: 2nd in the world for investment potential, 1st in Asia
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BERI Report August 2006
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Best Labor Force
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BERI’s 2007 Labor Force Evaluation Measure Report
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Countries with least restrictive immigration laws for employing foreign labor (# 1 in Asia, #4 in world)
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IMD Wold Competitiveness Yearbook 2006
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World’s Top 20 Most Globalised Nations
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A.T. Kearney/Foreign Policy Magazine Globalization Index 2006
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Asia’s No. 1 place to live, work and play
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Mercer Human Resource Consulting, 2005-2006
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Guidelines, Procedures And Systems In Singapore Port
The guidelines in Singapore port are as follows:
The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore(MPA) was established on 2nd February 1996,with the aim to develop Singapore as a premier global hub port and International maritime centre (IMC).MPA is the architect of Singapore's port and maritime development, taking the roles of Port Authority, Port Regulator, Port Planner, IMC Champion and National Maritime Representative.
The MPA operates the Vessel Traffic Information System in Singapore. With Singapore port being one of the busiest in the world, an advanced Vessel Traffic Service is necessary for the safe and efficient navigation of ships in these waters.
Port security has gained significance in recent times, especially with the global threat of terrorism. The International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code has been developed to enhance the security of ships and port facilities
Port Infrastructure
Singapore's port infrastructure is amongst the best in the world and meets the demands of the world's busiest port and support shipping and trade.
Singapore's port infrastructure is amongst the best in the world and meets the demands of the world's busiest port and support shipping and trade.
