Singapore plans R14bn port upgrade

SIXTEEN NEW berths will be built in Singapore in a US$1.9 (R14bn) move by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore to handle growing demand for container capacity. The project, undertaken by a consortium led by Hyundai Engineering & Construction, will add 14 million teus to Pasir Panjang terminal’s container handling capacity, with the six year construction expected to begin later this year. Volumes in Singapore have topped 17.8-million teus in the first eight months of 2007, up 13.7% over the same Jan-Aug period in 2006. PSA Singapore terminals is also taking advantage of the surging traffic and has placed a R2bn order for around 40 new super post-Panamax quay cranes to equip the upgraded Pasir Panjang terminal, cranes capable of handling the new generation 13 000 teu ships.