The Port of Singapore is increasing its capacity and reopening older berths to alleviate congestion at the world’s largest transshipment hub.
Container ships arriving at the typically efficient Port of Singapore have faced berthing delays of up to seven days, with total capacity waiting at dock reaching 450,000 TEU, according to analyst Linerlytica, as reported by Seatrade Maritime News earlier this week.
The Maritime & Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) attributed the delays to the Red Sea crisis, which led to the diversion of vessels via the Cape of Good Hope, causing off-schedule arrivals and “vessel bunching.”
Additionally, Singapore has experienced a significant increase in vessel arrivals, handling 13.36 million TEU in the first four months of the year, an 8.8% increase.
“The increased demand on container handling in Singapore is a result of several container lines discharging more containers in Singapore as they forgo subsequent voyages to catch up on their next schedules. The number of containers handled per vessel has also increased,” the MPA stated.
Since late 2023, the MPA has collaborated with Singapore’s Ministry of Transport and terminal operator PSA to prepare for the surge in vessel arrivals.
PSA has reactivated older berths and yards at Keppel Terminal, boosting capacity from 770,000 TEU weekly to 820,000 TEU.
The Keppel Terminal, located near the city center, is gradually being phased out as operations shift to the new Tuas Port in the island’s far west. Three new berths at Tuas Port are expected to become operational later this year.
“PSA plans to accelerate the development of these new berths to help increase overall container handling capacity in the near term.
MPA and PSA are working closely with container lines and regional feeders to update them on berth availability and advise them on arrival times to minimize berthing delays,” the MPA said.
