Automated check-in kiosks, more F&B outlets: Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal to get S$20 million facelift

SINGAPORE: Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal will undergo a S$20 million (US$14.9 million) upgrade in stages until December, said the Singapore Cruise Centre (SCC) on Friday (Feb 2). 

There will be no changes to ongoing ferry services, including ferry schedules, while the revamp to modernise the terminal's facilities and expand its passenger capacity takes palce. 

The upgrade will increase the terminal’s capacity by 20 per cent, allowing it to serve over 3 million passengers in the future, said SCC Chief Executive Jacqueline Tan in a press release.

As part of the facelift, self-service kiosks and systems that allow passengers to do their own check-in and clear immigration at automated gates will be installed.

This will help to speed up departure procedures, said SCC.

Ferry operators will also get more counters catering for passengers who need to buy tickets and those seeking check-in assistance.

Tanah Merry Ferry Terminal, which was built in 1995, last underwent a major renovation in 2007. 

More than 1 million passengers passed through the terminal last year en route to Batam and Bintan in Indonesia, and Desaru and Tanjung Pengelih in Malaysia, underlining its importance as a "regional gateway for Singapore", said Ms Tan.

“The makeover of the terminal and automation of our services to improve efficiency are timely as we position the terminal for future growth,” she added. 

“By the end of the year when our upgrading is completed, we will be able to deliver a seamless, contactless passenger journey through Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal while increasing our productivity and efficiency.”

OTHER AMENITIES IN THE WORKS

There will be a bigger departure area following the terminal's redesign, while a new outdoor play area for children, more food and beverage outlets and new lounges, among others, are part of the upgrade.

The terminal's toilets will also be revamped and hybrid cooling systems will be installed alongside existing solar panels for greater energy efficiency.

Construction in key passenger areas will start in March, with SCC saying that work areas will be closed in stages in order to minimise inconvenience to passengers.