21 December 2004
MPA revises port dues to further enhance Singapore port's competitiveness
Maritime history was made today when, for the first time, total vessel arrivals for the Singapore port crossed the one billion gross tons mark in terms of shipping tonnage.
Setting the "billionth" shipping tonnage record was MV COSCO Shanghai, a container ship of 65,531 gross tons (GT). It arrived at the port at 0800hrs (ETA TBC) today.
To celebrate this milestone achievement, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) held a ceremony-cum-reception to welcome the vessel. The event was held at port terminal operator PSA Corporation Ltd (PSA)'s Pasir Panjang Terminal (PPT), where MV COSCO Shanghai was berthed.
Witnessing the occasion was Guest-of-Honour, Mr Yeo Cheow Tong, Minister for Transport, and some 150 guests from the maritime industry.
Speaking at the event, Minister Yeo commented that crossing the milestone is a reflection of the strong growth achieved by Singapore's port and maritime industry. He attributes the success of the port largely to the efforts put in by the port and maritime community. Whether it is to tranship cargo, repair a ship, or take bunkers, Singapore is a choice port of call because of its efficient services, pro-business environment and skilled workforce.
Revision of Port Dues
To further enhance the Singapore port's competitiveness, the MPA has undertaken a review of the port dues. The review was conducted in consultation with various industry players. In line with the MPA's vision to develop Singapore as a leading International Maritime Centre (IMC), the review has also taken in consideration the various sectors of Singapore's maritime industry such as ship repair, bunkering and cruise.
Vessels Undergoing Shipyard Repairs Exceeding 95 days in the Shipyard
With effect from 1 January 2005, port dues rate for vessels undergoing shipyard repairs exceeding 95 days will be reduced by 50 per cent to S$0.50/100 GT or part thereof per day. These vessels typically undergo major repair or refurbishment works such as Floating Production Storage Offloading (FPSO) conversions, and the lowered port dues will make such conversion works more cost competitive and attractive in Singapore.
Vessels taking Bunkers, Ship Supplies and/or Crew Change without Cargo Operations
Vessels calling at the port for the sole purpose of taking bunkers, ship supplies or for crew changes, and staying less than 24 hours, will enjoy a 20 per cent reduction in port dues to S$1.80/100GT or part thereof.
Passenger Vessels (300GT or more)
Passenger vessels of 300GT and above, paying per call dues under the same agent, making at least six calls at PSA Terminals or Singapore Cruise Centre to Singapore within a period of six months from the month in which the first call is made, will be granted a 20 per cent rebate on the port dues payable for all the calls made by the vessel within that 6 month period. This will encourage more seasonally based passenger ships to make more calls to Singapore.
Furthermore to develop the fast growing car carrier sector, the MPA will be reducing port dues by 20 per cent for car carrier operators who are committed to growing their car transshipment businesses in Singapore.
Based on 2003 figures, the revisions will benefit some 4,000 ships annually, totalling about S$2.5 million in savings a year for the shipping community. Together with the 20 per cent port dues concession given to container ships since 1996, the savings for the shipping community from port dues will amount to some S$8 million each year.
OPL Surcharge
12 As a part of the review, the MPA has also addressed the need to further enhance maritime security. Therefore, the existing Outside Port Limits (OPL) surcharge (S$20/10GT or part thereof) currently levied on bunker barges and tankers, will be extended to all harbour craft, except those harbour craft used for land reclamation projects in Singapore.
End of Release.
| Attached: |
| Address by Mr Yeo Cheow Tong, Minister for Transport |
| Industry Quotes |
