Singapore's new waterfront gateway, Marina South Pier (MSP) was officially launched this evening by Mr Raymond Lim, Minister for Transport and Second Minister for Foreign Affairs. The new pier functionally replaced Clifford Pier in April this year as the new landing point for domestic ferry and launch vessels. The closure of Clifford Pier as a public landing point was to make way for the construction of the Marina Barrage. The event was made even more significant with the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) celebrating its 10 anniversary this year. It is also the first MPA event to be graced by Mr Raymond Lim since assuming his Transport Minister appointment.

MPA's First Large Scale Maritime Open House

To profile the progressive and opportunity-filled maritime sector to students, MPA took the opportunity to organize its first large scale 'Maritime Open House' as part of its outreach programme to students and MSP opening celebrations. In highlighting the vast career opportunities within the various sub-sectors of the industry such as seafaring, shore-based ancillary services and offshore sectors, MPA also partnered with various maritime organisations such as Neptune Shipmanagement and Services (Pte) Ltd, Semb Corp Marine Ltd, Keppel Offshore and Marine Ltd and PSA Corporation Singapore Maritime Academy, Ngee Ann Polytechnic and Nanyang Technological University among others.

Targeted at students from secondary schools and junior colleges, the open house welcomed 1,000 students and teachers from various secondary schools, junior colleges, polytechnics and tertiary institutions across Singapore. At the open house, students were given a visual treat of interesting life-size scale models of oil-rigs, semi-submersibles and ships. Industry professionals were also present to provide information about the exciting maritime careers and courses available to students. Their experience at the open house ended with a scenic sea tour, whereby a student could choose to capture interesting photographs during the journey and participate in a photo contest. Winning entries would have the opportunity to win an iPod.

Architectural Design of Marina South Pier

The new waterfront maritime building covers about 5,000 sqm. Its modern architectural design was approved by the Urban Redevelopment Authority's Design Advisory Panel (DAP) and features a striking wave-like roof shelter that captures the splendor of its surroundings, offering commanding views of the sea from a viewing gallery on the roof deck. This open roof deck also enables linkages to surrounding developments in the future.

The pier is able to handle more passengers including crew from vessels anchored in the south-eastern waters of Singapore port and visitors to the southern islands. Its spacious holding hall on the first level is designed to cater to peak travelling periods such as the annual Kusu Pilgrimage. It can cater to a capacity of 3,000 passengers at any one time. To maintain border security at the pier, the building also features a dedicated checkpoint area managed by the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority. The pier also houses a variety of commercial, ferry ticketing and food and beverage kiosks.

Note to Editors:

A Decade of Maritime Excellence

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) was established on 2 February 1996, as a statutory board under the Ministry of Transport. Over the past decade, it roles have grown beyond that of growing the key functions of developing Singapore as a premier global hub port. In 2003, it was entrusted to be the champion agency to spearhead Singapore's development as an international maritime centre. MPA also plays a part in safeguarding Singapore's strategic maritime interests.

Today, the Port of Singapore is the world's busiest for vessel tonnage and container throughput, a top bunkering centre and the Singapore Ship Registry is the largest in Asia. To enhance the maritime services clusters that complement our hub port attractions, MPA has aggressively introduced schemes such as the Approved International Shipping (AIS) Enterprise, Approved Shipping and Logistics schemes, the Maritime Business Development Programme and Maritime Finance Incentive. These schemes have helped attract a critical mass of international shipping companies and maritime organisations to set up base in Singapore. Together, they bode well for Singapore's aspiration as a widely recognised IMC.

End of Release.

Attached:

Speech by Mr Raymond Lim, Minister for Transport and Second Minister for Foreign Affairs