The Maritime Fire Base at the West Coast Pier was officially opened by Mr Peter Ho, Chairman, Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) this morning. Mr Ho also commissioned two fire-fighting craft, namely, API API 1 and API API 2 at the same ceremony.

Speaking to some 60 guests during the opening ceremony, Mr Ho said that the ceremony marked a new phase in the Singapore port's capability to deal with incidents involving shipboard fires. He added that as port safety was critical to the competitiveness of the Port of Singapore, it was necessary for Singapore to have an adequate shipboard fire-fighting capability to ensure expeditious response to a fire incident in port. Such capability would help minimise disruptions to port operations and safeguard the interests of port users.

The Maritime Fire Base is housed at the West Coast Pier, a designated public landing place for the embarkation and disembarkation of passengers from harbour craft. The WCP offers full Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) facilities. Some $12 million was spent on developing the Fire Base and the two fire-fighting craft.

Manned by trained emergency response personnel, these facilities would provide response to shipboard fires and other marine emergencies such as oil and chemical spills in the Singapore port.

The new facilities underscore Singapore's commitment to promoting maritime safety and the safeguarding of the marine environment.

End of Release.