Singapore retains busiest world port title
By Rachel Kelly, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 10 January 2008 2238 hrs

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SINGAPORE : Singapore handled a record 27.9 million containers last year, reinforcing its position as the world's busiest port.

2007 was a good year for the maritime sector as a whole, but going forward, the industry is keeping an eye on issues related to manpower, environment and security.

The Singapore maritime sector achieved double-digit growth across the board last year.

Despite intense competition from the likes of Hong Kong and Shanghai, the port was able to hold its own.

It handled a record 27.9 million containers or twenty-foot equivalent units - up 13 percent from 2006.

"Our hub port with good connectivity translates into a competitive advantage for our manufacturing sector. 2007 was also a good year of growth for the rest of Singapore's maritime cluster, bolstering Singapore's reputation as an International Maritime Centre. The Singapore Registry of Ships grew by 13.8 percent to reach 39.6 million gross tones as at end 2007," said Singapore's Transport Minister Raymond Lim.

The registry of ships also grew by 13.9 percent to reach 39.6 million tons at the end of 2007. The number of international shipping groups operating in Singapore is pushing towards 100.

In a recent World Bank study, Singapore was ranked the number one logistics hub out of 150 countries surveyed.

The government is expanding the port capacity to meet growing demand, and PSA is equipping all its new container berths with new super post panamax cranes to help with the increased overflow.

The Singapore Exchange welcomed new listings of shipping companies from countries such as China, India and Norway, as well as two new shipping trusts - First Ship Lease Trust and Rickmers Maritime.

To stay ahead of the competition, the focus will be on meeting challenges in manpower, the environment and security.

"We will spare no effort in building the talent pool needed to meet the growing manpower demands of the industry, and I can assure you that any good suggestions that the industry may have will be taken up by MPA (Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore). For 2008, we can look forward to the enhancement of Maritime ONE programmes under the leadership of the Maritime ONE Steering Committee," said Mr Lim.

The Maritime ONE initiative is aimed at showcasing the marine industry as an attractive career. Launched earlier in 2007, the initiative includes student internships, scholarships and networking receptions.

There are also efforts taken to protect the environment within the port waters, and to ensure the continued flow of goods in times of heightened threat. - CNA /ls