Transport Minister launches Singapore Maritime Week 2014
Bringing world shipping together for one week

The 9th edition of the Singapore Maritime Week (SMW) 2014 was launched this afternoon by Minister for Transport, Mr Lui Tuck Yew, at VivoCity. Driven by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), SMW 2014 will take place from 6 to 11 April 2014, featuring 29 events organised by MPA, local and international maritime players.

Mr Andrew Tan, Chief Executive, MPA said, "Singapore is a leading international maritime centre and has one of the world's busiest ports. The Singapore Maritime Week is an important industry event focusing on Singapore's role in international shipping. We look forward to welcoming some 20,000 maritime representatives across all sectors of the international maritime industry to Singapore during the week."

People, Ideas and Opportunities
SMW has a strong public outreach element to raise the profile of the maritime industry among Singaporeans. This morning, more than 1,300 participants from different age groups took part in the Amazing Maritime Hunt - a series of fun-filled games and activities based on the maritime theme. The winning team walked away with $2,500 in cash prize. In addition, the team from Keppel FELS won the Best Corporate Team, while the Best School Team was won by students from Victoria Junior College.

About 100,000 visitors have come to the SMW 2014 exhibition which was held at VivoCity, Jurong Point and Parkway Parade from 31 March to 6 April. Members of the public who visited the exhibition had a chance to view the display of the winning photographs taken during the SMW photography competition. These photographs portray the striking scenes of Maritime Singapore. The winner for the open category and youth category each won $3,000 and a cruise voucher and $2,500, respectively.

The week ahead will be lined-up with maritime conferences, seminars and high level networking functions for the industry participants to exchange ideas and create business opportunities. The events lined up will discuss key maritime issues, from bunkering, sustainable marine transportation, technology, piracy and sea robbery, maritime law and arbitration, to offshore marine.

Launch of SMW 2014

From left: Mr Andrew Tan, CE, MPA; Mr Michael Chia, Chairman, Singapore Maritime Foundation; Mr Lui Tuck Yew, Transport Minister; Mr Patrick Phoon, President, Singapore Shipping Association; and Mr Wong Weng Sun, President, Association of Singapore Marine Industries, with scouts from Yangzheng Primary School

Participants at the Amazing Maritime Hunt

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About Singapore Maritime Week (6 - 11 April 2014)
Singapore Maritime Week (SMW) is the leading maritime event in Singapore. Driven by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), SMW gathers the international maritime community in Singapore for a week of conferences, dialogues, exhibitions and social events in celebration of all things maritime. The range of activities and events organised by MPA, the industry, and research and educational institutions, as well as the cosmopolitan profile of participants, reflect the vibrancy and diversity of Singapore as a major international maritime centre.

SMW has grown in size and significance since the inaugural event in 2006, and is attracting more participants and event organisers from around the world. Participants can experience something new every year, as activities are added to the line-up, and as eminent speakers share their insights and participate in dialogues on topical maritime issues. This dynamism and the good range of issues discussed during SMW are major draws for maritime decision-makers, as are the many business networking platforms. This is why Singapore Maritime Week is all about PEOPLE, IDEAS and OPPORTUNITIES for the maritime community.

For more information and the full calendar of events, please visit www.smw.sg.

About Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA)
The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) was established on 2 February 1996, with the mission to develop Singapore as a premier global hub port and international maritime centre (IMC), and to advance and safeguard Singapore's strategic maritime interests. MPA is the driving force behind Singapore's port and maritime development, taking on the roles of Port Authority, Port Regulator, Port Planner, IMC Champion, and National Maritime Representative. MPA partners the industry and other agencies to enhance safety, security and environmental protection in our port waters, facilitate port operations and growth, expand the cluster of maritime ancillary services, and promote maritime R&D and manpower development.