The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) issued a public licence for towage services to Maju Maritime Pte Ltd today. This is in line with the MPA's liberalisation of tug services policy announced in August 1997.

The public licence will be valid for a period of 30 years with effect from today. According to Phase 2 of the towage liberalisation programme, Maju Maritime Pte Ltd will now be able to service vessels at shipyards, oil terminal and Jurong Port. This is an addition to the 5 existing public licence holders for towage services, namely, PSA Corporation Ltd, Sembawang Marine and Logistics Ltd (SML), Keppel Smit Towage Pte Ltd, Jurong Marine Services Pte Ltd and Marina Offshore Pte Ltd. With effect from 1 Mar 99, these 6 tug operators will be allowed to service all sectors within the port waters including ships that call at the conventional, container and cruise passenger terminals of PSA Corporation Ltd under Phase 3 of the towage liberalisation programme.

Maju Maritime Pte Ltd was incorporated on 4 Apr 87 with supplying of tug services as its main activity. It owns a fleet of 11 tugs currently.

In liberalising tug services, MPA aims to provide port users with reliable and value-for-money tug services, thereby enhancing the competitiveness of the Port of Singapore and maintaining the Republic's status as a world premier port.

End of Statement.