The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Port Service Network (APSN) Port Connectivity Forum and 11th Council Meeting was officially opened by Mr Niam Chiang Meng, Chairman of the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), at Resorts World Sentosa Convention Centre today.

2    Held from 13 to 16 November 2018, the Forum and Council Meeting aims to promote the development of the APEC port industry by facilitating collaboration and idea-sharing among APEC ports and port-related industries. This year’s event marks the 10th anniversary of APSN since its inception in 2008. It is also the first time that Singapore, as a council member, is hosting and co-organising the Forum and council meeting with the APSN Secretariat based in Beijing, China.

3    Themed “Port Connectivity: Positioning Asia-Pacific Ports for the Future”, the Forum was attended by more than 200 participants comprising local and international maritime and port community representatives from 18 member economies. Port and terminal operators in the APEC region spoke about the strategies and best practices they have adopted to tackle challenges like the emergence of new technologies, to attract manpower to the maritime industry, and to ensure continued port competitiveness. There were also lively discussions about emerging global developments that impact maritime connectivity, such as digitalisation, integration of the global supply chain, and the push for green and sustainable port development.

4    As part of the event, 16 APEC port operators and administrations were presented the Green Ports Awards System (GPAS) for their environmental sustainability efforts. First launched by APSN in 2016, the GPAS is the only award in the Asia Pacific region that recognises sustainable development efforts and commitments of ports. MPA, together with Jurong Port Pte Ltd (JPPL) and PSA Corporation Ltd (PSAC), were among the recipients of this year’s APSN GPAS award (Annex).

5    Mr Andrew Tan, Chief Executive of MPA, reiterated Singapore’s commitment in supporting APSN’s efforts in promoting free trade, port connectivity and international collaboration in the APEC region. He said, “Singapore has been an active and strong supporter of the APSN and its initiatives since its inception. In line with this year’s Forum theme, we encourage APSN members to continue developing the three key connectivity strategies – physical, digital and international connectivity – to drive the next wave of port competitiveness in our maritime industry’s transformation.”

Guest-of-Honour, Niam Chiang Meng; CE of MPA, Andrew Tan; and members of the APEC Port Services Network (APSN) at the official opening of APSN Port Connectivity Forum.

Recipients of the Green Ports Awards System (GPAS). GPAS is the only award in Asia Pacific region that recognises sustainable development efforts and commitments of ports. MPA, PSA and Jurong Port were among the recipients of this years’s award. 

The 10th APEC Port Services Network (APSN) Port Connectivity Forum was opened by Chairman MPA, Mr Niam Chiang Meng. About 200 participants attended the forum to discuss strategies and best practices in tackling challenges to ensure port competitiveness.

Heads of Delegation from the 11th Council Meeting of the APEC Port Services Network (APSN).

Proceedings from the 11th Council Meeting of the APEC Port Services Network (APSN).

Mr Marc-Yves Bertin (President, APSN and Director-General of Marine Policy, Transport Canada) and Mr Keith Jones (Director, International Marine Policy) at PSA Visit on 12 November