Latest news with #PSASingapore
Business Times
27-05-2025
- Business
- Business Times
Asian ports reported to be congested; average waiting time in Singapore is up to 1.5 days
[SINGAPORE] Port congestion has been reported at Asian ports, with Singapore being one of those affected: The waiting time for a berth at the world's top transhipment hub is said to be between 12 and 36 hours. Tan Hua Joo, a box shipping analyst at data provider Linerlytica, told The Business Times that the longer waiting times in Singapore in recent weeks stem from changes in vessel deployments following the United States' imposition of tariffs and delays at upstream ports. He added, however, that congestion in Asia ports is an ongoing issue, not a recent one. Liner Hapag-Lloyd told its customers that, as at May 26, some Asian ports were facing increased waiting times because of congested berths. The Chinese ports of Shanghai and Qingdao are among the worst hit, with the average hold-up ranging from 24 to 72 hours. The average waiting time at China's Ningbo port is between 24 and 36 hours; over at South Korea's Busan and Japan's Yokohama ports, waiting times are 18 hours and between 12 and 24 hours, respectively. BT in your inbox Start and end each day with the latest news stories and analyses delivered straight to your inbox. Sign Up Sign Up The longer waiting times at Singapore are being caused by vessel bunching and congestion, the liner said. Kuehne+Nagel has similarly described operations in the ports of Singapore and Klang as 'heavily disrupted'. Vessels calling at the Republic's port have had an average waiting time of around 1.82 days over the last seven days, said the freight forwarder in its weekly update. Several vessels are arriving at once, and transshipment cargo is being delayed by a week or two, it said. At Port Klang, congestion in the berths has raised the average vessel waiting time to around 1.46 days, Kuehne+Nagel reported. 'Some vessels can wait up to 2.5 days. Yard congestion is around 90 per cent, reducing productivity.' Data service EconDB numbers point to dwell times for transhipments at the Singapore port averaging 9.5 days as at May 19, against the peak of 10.8 days in late May 2024 and the average of 7.6 days since March 2022. PSA Singapore acknowledged on Tuesday (May 27) that a high concentration of container vessels have arrived in recent weeks. It attributed this to service reconfigurations by shipping lines in response to business changes and global issues. Delays and congestion at other locations have also caused vessels to bunch up in Singapore, a spokesperson for PSA Singapore said. The port authority said it would ensure the optimal turnaround of container vessels to ease the situation with added capacity and resources. Last year, port congestion prompted some liners to skip Singapore after berthing delays at the South-east Asian transhipment hub hit a historic high; this was caused by some operators discharging more containers in the Republic and scrapping subsequent voyages in order to catch up on their next schedules amid forced detours in the Red Sea. Port congestion in Singapore peaked in the second quarter of 2024, Linerlyica's Tan noted. The situation has since eased, but not been fully resolved. The congestion is not expected to hit the critical levels of 2024 because additional capacity has since been added at the Singapore port, he added. Earlier, analysts had cautioned that port congestion in Europe might have a spillover impact on Asian ports. Meanwhile, cargo from places other than mainland China that were given a 90-day reprieve from reciprocal tariffs by the United States have been rushed out of ports since the pause was announced on Apr 9. Mainland China got its truce with the US on May 12, unleashing a wave of shipments, including those had been held back from April to mid-May. Total capacity on the trans-Pacific route – primarily from Asia to the US – is set to rebound sharply in the coming four weeks, with an average of over 560,000 twenty-foot-equivalent units (TEUs, a measure of freight capacity) departing from Asia to the US weekly. This is about 50 per cent more than in the previous fortnight. The higher supply is expected to rein in the rise in freight rates for the trans-Pacific trade lanes, after the US-China trade detente arrested the decline in the shipping costs.
Business Times
16-05-2025
- Business
- Business Times
A new era for warehouse logistics with PSA Singapore's AI-powered iWX platform
[SINGAPORE] As one of the world's busiest and most advanced maritime hubs, Singapore is constantly seeking innovative solutions to maintain its competitive edge in global trade. At the heart of this drive for excellence is PSA Singapore, whose Intelligent Warehouse Exchange (iWX) platform is redefining warehouse logistics for the digital age. By harnessing the power of artificial intelligence (AI), real-time data and predictive analytics, iWX is setting new standards for efficiency, sustainability and collaboration – solidifying Singapore's reputation as a leading global port city. Traditionally, warehouse logistics suffer from poor equipment visibility, space congestion, unpredictable trip schedules and inefficient communication. Bottlenecks uncovered iWX was developed using a design-thinking approach mapping user pain points, analysing six months of operational data from PSA terminals, Keppel Distripark, and digital systems such as Portnet and SmartBooking, and iteratively prototyping solutions. The process uncovered bottlenecks such as inconsistent dwell times, irregular traffic patterns and inefficient container reuse coordination. A key differentiator of iWX is its use of machine-learning models that analyse historical gate-in/gate-out data, container attributes and transporter details to predict when containers will be ready for reuse after unstuffing. These AI-powered insights enable the system to recommend suitable containers for reuse among stakeholders, maximising asset utilisation and reducing the need for new container procurement. When reuse is not feasible, iWX's optimisation engine recommends returning containers to the nearest On-Dock Depot (ODD), minimising unnecessary transport, trucking distances and carbon emissions. SEE ALSO AI boosts efficiency of LionsBot robot cleaners GET BT IN YOUR INBOX DAILY Start and end each day with the latest news stories and analyses delivered straight to your inbox. Sign Up VIEW ALL iWX's marketplace model ensures transparency in container availability while safeguarding sensitive trade data. It respects stakeholder autonomy by allowing shipping lines, as container owners, to approve or reject reuse requests, and hauliers (the reuse requestors) to withdraw their requests if necessary. This balanced approach ensures fair and efficient decision-making for all parties involved.
Straits Times
16-05-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
Container throughput up 6.1% in 2025 despite uncertainty over global tariffs: Chee Hong Tat
The growth could have come from companies trying to frontload shipments ahead of the of implementation of higher tariff rates by the Americans. ST PHOTO: BRIAN TEO Container throughput up 6.1% in 2025 despite uncertainty over global tariffs: Chee Hong Tat SINGAPORE - Singapore's port handled 6.1 per cent more containers in the first four months of 2025 than in the same period last year , despite the disruptions to supply chains caused by tariffs imposed by the United States. Transport Minister Chee Hong Tat said container throughput reached 14.18 million twenty-foot equivalent unit (TEU) containers between January and April this year. 'Container (throughput) has remained strong despite what's happening around the world, with greater turbulence, uncertainty and shifts in global supply chains,' he said, adding that the government was continuing to monitor the fluid situation. He explained that the growth could have come from companies trying to frontload shipments ahead of the of implementation of higher tariff rates by the Americans. Mr Chee was speaking to reporters during a visit to the PSA Pasir Panjang Terminal Building on May 16, where he had been inspecting an ongoing trial to use autonomous prime movers. On May 12, the US and China had agreed to suspend part of their tariffs on their respective exports for 90 days. This was the latest development in what has become a tit-for-tat exchange between the two superpowers over trade, since US President Donald Trump announced sweeping global tariffs on April 2. When asked if there are contingency plans in the event of a slowdown in the medium term, Mr Chee said that this is being handled by the task force chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong, who is also the Minister of Trade and Industry. 'In the near term, we will be monitoring the situation and where necessary, the Government will intervene to help our companies and workers,' Mr Chee added. The largest port operator here, PSA Singapore, handled a 40.9 million TEUs in 2024, an increase of 5.6 per cent over 2023. Mr Chee said Singapore can strengthen its competitiveness by making what he called 'no regret moves'. This includes investment in productivity improvements and technology, attracting new investment and working with the existing players to expand their operations in Singapore. He said that vessel certification organisations like the American Bureau of Shipping, Chinese Classification Society and Rina will be investing more than $20 million over the next five years in Singapore, focusing on areas like maritime safety and electrification. Mr Chee also said PSA will be recruiting more than 2,500 staff in 2025 to support the development of Tuas Port, which now has 11 berths in operation with plans for another seven to be added by 2027. The roles include those in frontline port operations, information technology and data science. Noting the role that technology can play to boost Singapore's competitiveness and productivity, Mr Chee said that efforts like the trials to deploy autonomous vehicles at the port will help address the shortage of drivers of heavy vehicles. For instance, the use of autonomous prime movers, which are currently employed to transport trailers carrying containers within the port, could be expanded. Mr Chee said the next step will be to work with the Land Transport Authority to identify how such technologies can be taken onto the roads beyond the port. This could mean plying routes between Pasir Panjang and Tuas or between the Tuas Port and the surrounding industrial estates, he said. The trial of autonomous prime movers started in 2023, and PSA currently has 30 prime movers in its fleet. Currently, each vehicle is supervised by a human controller in the command centre who can take over if an issue arises. Eventually, fewer controllers will be required to manage the vehicles, reducing the manpower demands. Lee Nian Tjoe is senior transport correspondent at The Straits Times, where he also oversees the Motoring section. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
Straits Times
29-04-2025
- Politics
- Straits Times
GE2025: PAP's Foo Cexiang once dreamt of opening a football cafe. He now wants to bring people together as MP
GE2025: PAP's Foo Cexiang once dreamt of opening a football cafe. He now wants to bring people together as MP Follow our live coverage here. SINGAPORE – If Edwin Tong is Lionel Messi, then Foo Cexiang aspires to be Roberto Baggio, not for dazzling footwork or goal-scoring flair, but for the legendary Italian footballer's grit and resilience. Breaking into a sheepish grin, the PAP newcomer says he has been unable to dribble since he tore his ligament during national service. 'If my friends see me kicking a ball, they'll know I wayang ('acting out' in Singapore slang) lah. I can't!' adds the vice-president of port ecosystem development at PSA Singapore. The year is 1994 and Singapore is in the grip of World Cup fever. A certain ponytailed No. 10 catches his eye, and just like that, the future politician, then a mere boy of nine, gets swept along in the current of exhilaration. He watches, transfixed, as Baggio fires Italy through the tournament one nail-biting game at a time. Eagerly, he asks his father to rouse him for the final, but wakes up only in time for penalties and the horror of watching his new-found hero sky his spot kick over the crossbar. 'Ironically, that miss made me love him even more,' recalls the now 40-year-old. 'This whole idea that he came within touching distance of the trophy, was unable to win, but was still so well loved by everyone. I think when people see the heart you put in, they will love you for it.' It is this belief that drives him to pour his all into every project, whether it is overseeing electric vehicle policy, as he did as a director at the Ministry of Transport before stepping down in April, or campaigning for a seat in Parliament. These days, Mr Foo spends most of his time in Tanjong Pagar GRC, ploughing through block after block without so much as a toilet break. Armed with only his fraying voice and stack of name cards, he strides along HDB corridors bellowing: 'Hello everyone, this is Foo Cexiang from the PAP. I'm doing house visits. I'll be happy to see you if you're home!' PAP Tanjong Pagar GRC candidate Foo Cexiang joining residents in a cheer on his house visits. ST PHOTO: JASON QUAH Even now, more than midway through the hustings and just three days to Polling Day, his boundless energy has yet to ebb. He greets everyone he passes with an open smile and exuberant 'Hi!', before launching into easy conversation in English, Mandarin, Hokkien, Cantonese or Hainanese. 'For me, the natural way to connect with people is by showing them my warmth. And it's a real warmth, it comes from deep within me, and I think they can feel it quite quickly.' Not one to dwell on negativity, he blithely shrugs off the mean comments pelting the unflattering photo that accompanied news of his resignation, and is not daunted by sceptics, either. 'Sometimes, I meet residents who have strong emotions or challenges, and may not behave so positively towards me. But when they explain what they have been going through, it actually also energises me because I want to see how I can best gain their trust and help them.' While first impressions are important, his track record, he believes, will count for more in the long run, should he get elected on May 3. If that happens, he plans to improve accessibility in the estate and curate more programmes to bring together residents of all ages in this eclectic, multi-generational neighbourhood. For him, Tanjong Pagar's diversity is its strength. 'The older generation has a lot of appreciation for this area, while the younger generation has a lot of aspirations. So they rub off one another, and that is why I'm very excited to be here.' As father to three young girls aged three to eight, Mr Foo also understands the challenges parents face in keeping children occupied without resorting to technological crutches. His solution? To ramp up child-friendly infrastructure like playgrounds, as well as to organise more community events where parents can leave their children under the supervision of a trusted neighbour, and catch a bit of a breather. Above all, he vows to be an MP who listens. 'Some of the residents ask me, 'Will you speak up for us in Parliament?' And my 100 per cent commitment is that I will certainly listen to you and understand where you're coming from, digest it properly, and if I agree that it is in the best interest of the residents, I will speak up. 'But that is different from saying that I will raise everything you tell me, because the individual's perspective may not be the same as (that of) the significant group of residents.' Likewise, he asks for grace – in particular, the chance to explain to residents why certain policies get green-lit. The former civil servant is well aware that not all schemes prove universally popular, and will try his best to break down why resources are allocated in this way. While he cannot guarantee accord, he promises to go 'all in' in every interaction. No regrets, no airs – that has been his approach to life since losing his mother at age 21. She was diagnosed with cancer in March 2006 and died, aged 51, in August that year. To make the most of her remaining time, mother and son crammed a lifetime's worth of conversations into six months. 'We watched old videos, we talked about the past and some of the future – things like, do I hope to get married? How many children? A lot of these conversations that, if she had been around, we would probably have had in the years to come. And it was a very reassuring process,' says the eldest of three children. His father is retired. How would she feel about his latest endeavour? Proud, he hopes. 'But I'm also very sure that she will tell me that I need to work very hard. That's my mum. She would always say, 'You have done this, but the next thing is going to be harder, so you need to keep on working.'' Mr Foo Cexiang's ability to speak different Chinese dialect has endeared him to Tanjong Pagar's and Tiong Bahru's older residents. ST PHOTO: JASON QUAH Because he is running on the strength of his convictions, he does not feel the need to play up party tricks or stand out in the fresh crop of newcomers making waves this election. As he points out: 'This is the first English interview I'm doing and I'm already coming to the end of my campaign. For me, it's really about what I want to fight for.' Over his campaign hangs the long shadow of Mr Lee Kuan Yew, Singapore's founding prime minister and the first MP of Tanjong Pagar. He also has to fill the shoes of Ms Indranee Rajah, who has moved from Tanjong Pagar GRC to run in Pasir Ris-Changi GRC, and whose name is brought up by more than a few residents during his walkabout. But Mr Foo feels no pressure. On the contrary, the chance to carry on their legacy galvanises him. 'I'm convinced that the PAP is still the party to take the country forward in terms of the values that we have espoused over the years ,' he says. 'In today's era of great political contest and complexity, I believe it will require deeper and more direct engagement with Singaporeans. That is why I've chosen to step forward.' But he did hesitate before taking the leap of faith, held back by the prospect of ceding yet more precious time at home. Already, the demands of this election are taking a toll on his family. 'My daughter received her first Edusave award the other day, on Saturday, but I couldn't attend (the ceremony) . So there will be moments when you wish you were there.' Mr Foo Cexiang high-fiving a resident in Bukit Merah. ST PHOTO: JASON QUAH How then will this aspiring parliamentarian, who wants to champion the welfare of children, ensure his own offspring do not end up with the short end of the stick? By taking them along on the job, so he hopes. Should he triumph at the polls and realise his vision of putting together more family-friendly activities in the ward, his wife and children could join as volunteers or attendees – 'and then the children will get to see what Papa is doing'. His foray into politics has extracted one more sacrifice: His dream of running a football cafe will have to be postponed for now. 'Politics is a whole different calling. That was just an idea I thought would be nice.' Still, one thing remains consistent: his goal to bring people from all walks of life together to find common ground over good conversation. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
Yahoo
24-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Kalmar renews its service agreement with PSA Singapore
NB_Kalmar Services-24 KALMAR CORPORATION, TRADE PRESS RELEASE, 24 FEBRUARY 2025 AT 10.00 (EET) Kalmar renews its service agreement with PSA Singapore Kalmar has signed a service contract with PSA Singapore in Q4 2024, covering maintenance and repair work on PSA's cargo-handling fleet. PSA Singapore is the world's largest container transshipment hub, handling 40.9 million TEUs in 2024. It is one of the flagship terminals of PSA International, a leading port group with a global network spanning more than 180 locations in 45 countries. Kalmar has been one of PSA Singapore's service providers for the servicing and maintenance of both Kalmar and third-party equipment in Singapore. This includes equipment such as empty container handlers, terminal tractors and forklift trucks. Thomas Lim, Director, Services, Kalmar SSEA: 'We are pleased to be able to strengthen our long-term cooperation with PSA Singapore through this new service contract. The agreement demonstrates our continued commitment to our customers as well as our ability to deliver tailored, reliable and innovative service solutions that keep our customers' business moving.' Further information for the press: Thomas Malmborg, President, Kalmar Services, Maija Eklöf, Vice President, Marketing and Communications, Dealer Management and Customer Insight, Kalmar, tel. +358 20 777 4096, Kalmar (Nasdaq Helsinki: KALMAR) is moving goods in critical supply chains around the world, with a vision to be the forerunner in sustainable material handling equipment and services. The company offers a wide range of industry shaping heavy material handling equipment and services to ports and terminals, distribution centres, manufacturing and heavy logistics. Headquartered in Helsinki, Finland, Kalmar operates globally in over 120 countries and employs approximately 5,200 people. In 2024, the company's sales totalled approximately EUR 1.7 billion. Attachment NB_Kalmar Services-24Sign in to access your portfolio
