More Automation
As we all already know that PSA has already expanded their Terminal in Pasir Panjang and has a huge fleet of about thirty driverless vehicles which are used to help transport cargo containers efficiently around the terminal.
When our future Tuas mega port is in full operation, over a thousand of these driverless vehicles will be used to transport containers around the port.
Apart from these driverless vehicles, the future port will also have a fleet of almost a thousand automated yard cranes.
Staying Ahead of the Game
Ultimately, the aim is to be the largest fully automated terminal in the world so that we are ahead of the game and be as well connected to the world as possible.
As we know, the maritime sector contributes about seven percent to the local economy and involves over a hundred and seventy thousand jobs in Singapore which is why a lot is at stake.
In order for us to stay ahead of the game, it is important for Singapore to maintain our competitive advantage especially when neighbouring countries around us have already been investing in their ports to keep improving its capabilities.
The amount invested for the Tuas transformation project is set be in the billions and construction will span over a period of more than twenty years.
Various Phases of Completion
The Tuas mega port will be completing in various phases and by around year 2040, the port will be in full operations and ready for action.
The future port is said to be capable of handling a capacity of about sixty five million TEUs or Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units which is almost two times the figures as compared to previous years.
Experts say that by year 2040, demand along the Malacca Straits alone will likely exceed the hundred million TEUs (Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units) mark and so it is essential that Singapore prepares for the growing demand.
Although Singapore holds the runner-up position for the busiest port in the world, with a daily average of about sixty vessels, the trans-shipment industry remains highly competitive and competition is likely to stay keen.
Therefore, in order for Singapore’s port to stay ahead of competition, we would have to offer greater flexibility and also offer more choices to cater to the growing demand.
With the introduction of more automation & technology, performance can also be much more consistent and the turn around time for shipping lines can be shortened greatly, therefore improving productivity.
Catering to Future Demands
When completed, the future port will also have a layout which is said to be superior to ensure that trans-shipment operations are highly efficient and effective.
The new mega port will also have over eight kilometres of wharves to cater for huge container ships which can be as long as about 400m in length. These can be considered as one of the largest vessels in the world.
To illustrate the massive size in simple terms, one of such vessel is able to carry over about a hundred million pairs of shoes per trip. That is to say that if we have about 7 of such vessels, it will probably be sufficient to carry shoes for almost the whole population in the Europe.
This also highlights the importance for our future port to have the necessary infrastructure in order to be able to support the larger vessels coming in.
As Singapore work towards its goal of being the best and busiest port in the world, the works in the west is already going on as the clock ticks by the seconds.
The Tuas mega port project will consist of four different phases in total and the first phase is set to be completed by year 2020. Around this same period, the land reclamation works for all future terminals will also be done. The completion of the Tuas mega port will also see more warehouses and factories moving to the West.
Staying Relevant for the Future
Nowadays, with modern technology advancement, cranes are also fully automated and do not require one operator per crane. In fact, around 20 workers are able to handle more than 180 cranes at any one point of time from the control centre.
This shows that not only technology, automation and infrastructure are important but it is also crucial for industry players to constantly upgrade their skills to stay relevant in this fast paced and ever changing day & age.
Accessibility to the future mega port will also be improved with the future Jurong Region Line.