Singapore commenced reclamation for Tuas Terminal Phase 2 on 4 July 2019. When fully operational, Tuas Terminal Phase 2 will add a capacity of 21 million twenty-foot equivalent unit (TEUs). All container operations in Singapore will be consolidated at Tuas Terminal by the 2040s. When fully completed, Tuas Terminal will be able to handle up to 65 million TEUs annually.
The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) is developing the Tuas Next-Generation Port in four phases. MPA awarded the Tuas Terminal Phase 2 reclamation project to Penta-Ocean Construction Co. Ltd/Hyundai Engineering & Construction Co. Ltd/Boskalis International BV (PHB) Joint Venture in 2018. This is the largest of the four phases to be reclaimed at 387 hectares. The 8.6 km wharf structure will be constructed with 227 caissons that will be fabricated on site.
Innovative construction methods will be used for Phase 2 to boost safety and improve productivity. For example, the project team will use a slip form jack monitoring system and rebar modularization for the fabrication of the caissons. The slip form jack monitoring system provides unobstructed view of the hydraulic system and enhances the safety of workers through prompt rectifications of the hydraulic system. The process of rebar modularization allows for the pre-fabrication of steel bars, which form part of the base slab. This significantly improves the safety of those working under the steel bars. The project team will also adopt modern construction technology such as an automated curing system, which refers to a water circulation system that helps to control the quality of the base slab.
The project team will explore using artificial intelligence to monitor the construction site. For example, using facial recognition tools to detect security breaches at entry and exit points, and video analytics to detect unsafe acts and prevent potential injury.
The Tuas Terminal will also be highly digitalized to optimize processes and enhance information-flow and sharing. PA’s Maritime Single Window (MSW) will transform reporting and port clearance processes for ships calling at Singapore through data exchange amongst relevant stakeholders. Phase 1 of the MSW will be launched later this year, and will streamline processes of agencies such as MPA, National Environment Agency, and the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority. Tuas Port will also be physically and digitally integrated with the wider supply chain network to improve efficiencies among stakeholders along the supply chain – vessels, cargo owners and logistics service providers – and better coordinate cargo flow in a secure and intelligent manner.
(Sources: Straits Times; Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore)