Singapore calls for ‘next generation container port’

The Singapore Maritime Institute (SMI) andMaritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) on Wednesday has called on the international maritime community to plan, design and operate a next generation port for the republic.

Participants of the Next Generation Container Port (NGCP) challenge, the first major project undertaken by SMI since its establishment in January 2011, stand to win a $1 million reward for the winning concept, the agencies said.

“The winning concept will have to embody innovation, efficiency, productivity and sustainability,” said Lui Tuck Yew, Minister for Transport and Second Minister for Foreign Affairs.

According to Lui, bigger container ships with increasing capacity pose a “real challenge” to Singapore to grow its port operations.

“Not so long ago, the workhorse of the Asia-Europe trade was a 6,000 TEU container ship. That soon went up to 12,000 TEUs and soon, we might have to prepare for an era with even larger ships beyond 18,000 TEUs,” said Lui.

“At the same time, safety, security and the need to put in place environmentally sustainable practices are putting more demands on port infrastructure; to say nothing of the need for space to accommodate growth.”

The ‘problem statement’ for the challenge will be announced at the Singapore Maritime Week (SMW) 2012, which will take place from April 22-27 next year, the agencies said.

Submissions will be judged by an international panel of representatives from the Singapore government, the maritime industry and academic institutions.

SMI is a joint effort by MPA, the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) and the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB)

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