The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) will be giving a 50% concession on port dues for all cruise ships calling at Singapore with effect from 1 May 03 to 31 Dec 03. The new concession is part of the SARS Relief Package announced this afternoon. It will help the cruise operators tide over these difficult times and save them up to S$200,000.

With effect from 1 May 03 to 31 Dec 03, the MPA will also be extending this 50% concession on port dues to regional ferries and passenger-carrying harbour craft using the Singapore port. Ferry operators and harbour tour operators have been affected by the sharp decline in tourists, who are their major customers. The concession is expected to benefit about 77 regional ferries and 34 passenger-carrying harbour craft operating from Singapore.

Passenger-carrying harbour craft had earlier been extended a 20% rebate on port dues given to all harbour craft as part of the economic relief package. They will now receive an additional 30% concession on their port dues to bring their total rebate to 50%. The rebates for the regional and passenger-carrying harbour craft will cost the Government about S$50,000.

End of Release.