S’pore set to triple number of maiden ship calls in 2012: DPM Teo

SINGAPORE: Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean said Singapore expects to more than triple the number of maiden ship calls this year compared to last year.

There were three maiden ship calls to Singapore in 2011. This year, 11 maiden ship calls are expected.

Speaking at the official opening ceremony of Singapore’s second cruise terminal — the Marina Bay Cruise Centre Singapore (MBCCS), Mr Teo said Singapore’s location in the maritime region makes it a natural hub to catalyze the growth of the cruise industry.

Singapore has been working closely with its ASEAN neighbours to realise Southeast Asia’s cruise potential as a region.

"Cruise tourism is a sector where we see potential for ASEAN to jointly market ourselves to the world. Together, we can create a winning product that will appeal to transports and bring economic benefits to all our countries," said Mr Teo.

Mr Teo said the new cruise terminal will help Singapore better serve the growing industry.

The 28,000 sq m terminal can cater to the largest generation of large and contemporary cruise ships, such as the Royal Carribean’s Oasis and Voyager—class ships. The terminal has also effectively doubled Singapore’s berth capacity to four.

Mr Teo said he is confident the new facility will draw more global cruise lines, which will offer more varied itineraries to different port of calls in the region.

The new terminal is expecting over 70 ship calls by different cruise liners as the cruise season enters its peak period. This will translate into a passenger traffic of more than 200,000 from now till March 2013.

—CNA/ac