In the first seven months of 2024, the Port of Singapore handled 23.82 million TEUs, reflecting a significant 6.1% growth in container volume compared to the same period last year. Most container ships completed their cargo handling and refueling within a day of arrival. By July 2024, the average waiting time at container berths was reduced to less than one day.

These improvements are the result of initiatives by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and the Port of Singapore Authority (PSA), including the commissioning of new berths at Tuas Port, reactivating berths and yard space at Keppel Terminal, expanding manpower, and coordinating operational schedules with shipping and feeder companies.

This initiative is part of MPA’s ongoing efforts to optimize resources, reduce operational costs and turnaround times, and ensure safety. It represents a shift from previous regulations, which only allowed night operations at the Brani and Keppel terminals, where the maritime traffic is significantly less complex compared to the PPT terminal.

Additionally, the initiative aims to fully utilize nighttime hours to transport containers on barges between the Port of Singapore and nearby ports, including containers designated for transshipment.

To ensure the safe operation of these barges at night, the Marine Department will implement additional safety measures, which have been successfully trialed. These measures include mandatory pilotage for barges, restrictions on towline length, and close monitoring of barge movements through MPA’s vessel traffic management system.

Barges traveling to and from PPT throughout the night require prior approval from MPA. Barge operators have been briefed on the safety protocols and approval procedures for nighttime barge movements at PPT.