3 minute read
New Singapore
THE NEW SINGAPORE RISES
Tuas Port is being developed as the next generation container port in Singapore. Gordon Feller assesses what the project will include
When fully completed in the 2040s, after construction of up to 30 years, Tuas Port will be the world’s single largest container port, capable of handling up to 65 million TEU per annum. The new port is to accommodate the move of the current city terminals when their leases expire and will be the consolidated location for all of Singapore’s container activities, signifi cantly reducing inter-terminal haulage operations and green-house gas emissions.
According to Er Tham Wai Wah, Singapore’s Maritime and Port Authority Chief Engineer and Senior Director (Engineering and Project Management), “Tuas Port represents a bold vision for Singapore” with a focus on the “commitment to balance environmental protection with port development.”
To adapt to rising sea levels, Tuas Port will have an operational platform of five metres above maximum sea-level, with over 50 per cent of the total fill materials coming from dredged material from shipyards, oil and chemical terminals through to cruise
and excavated earth from construction. Reusing such materials reduces reliance on sand for reclamation, saving over S$2 billion in material costs. Reclamation began in 2015 and is due to finish in 2021. The reclamation process is relocating corals, with an expected 80% survival rate. (Singapore’s coral reefs are home to more than 250 species of corals and habitats for a great number of marine organisms).
HEIGHT OF A 10-STOREY BUILDING
Caissons (watertight retaining structures) for Tuas Terminal’s construction was determined to be a cornerstone of the construction approach. The caissons used are some of the largest in the world. Each is to be prefabricated onsite, weighs 15,000 tonnes and measures 40m in length, 28m in width and 28m in height – the equivalent to the height of a
Finger-piers using caisson quay walls are to be adopted to maximise limited land and sea space, while creating 115ha more land. Coupled with long linear berths and a design depth of -23m at Chart Datum, the design will accommodate mega-container ships exceeding 450m in length. Above ground space will also be introduced, adding 240ha of land area for port-related uses.
Tuas Port will be automated, digital. Digitalport@SG and Just-in-Time (JIT) Systems will streamline vessel clearance processes thereby enhancing vessel turnaround times. Extensive use of automation and robotics will be employed in conjunction with quayside and yard handling systems with operations controlled from a remote Operations Centre.
The new port will also encompass what it refers to as a “complementary supply chain” – namely, inclusion of warehousing, container depots, factories and other typical satellite port facilities. The aim is to support efficient cargo flows connectivity between the marine facilities and localised high-growth industries.
The location of Tuas Port is close to the Jurong and Tuas industrial areas with this thus capitalising on shorter haulage of import and export containers to and from the new port.
VALUABLE LAND FREED-UP
The development of Tuas Port will free-up valuable land in the city and more urbanised areas, which will be used for commercial and residential activities.
Singapore has limited land and port space - there are already many competing demands for space for marine facilities in addition to cargo-handling terminals ranging 10-storey building.
passenger terminals.
In a 2019 speech, Singapore’s Prime Minister reiterated the national importance of adapting to climate change, particularly to rising sea levels. Consequently, the country is committed to spend S$100 billion, which includes the development of Tuas Port.
8 Artist’s impression:
