Singapore's first integrated yard facility employs revolutionary design to improve productivity.

Recent years have seen Singapore benefiting from the strong worldwide growth of the marine and offshore industry. An expert cluster of marine-related service companies, such as those providing classification services, maritime law and insurance services and offshore support services have developed here. The industry also reaps significant gains from the city-state's robust and dynamic supply chain and precision engineering infrastructure. In 2009, Singapore's marine and offshore industry recorded a total output of S$20.1 billion (US$15.3 billion) and value-added of S$5.4 billion (US$4.1 billion).

To entrench itself as a marine and offshore hub of choice, Singapore plans to channel investments and resources into developing the entire industry value chain, ranging from shipyards and component manufacturing to companies offering naval architecture and marine engineering services. More importantly, Singapore's leading position within the global marine and offshore landscape will also depend on its ability to develop innovative infrastructural solutions that overcome the scarcity of waterfront land in the country.

New Yard to Raise Productivity and Efficiency

One way to overcome land scarcity is to use available waterfront land in a more efficient manner. In June 2010, Singapore's marine and offshore industry took a major step forward with the groundbreaking of Sembcorp Marine's Integrated New Yard Facility at Tuas View Extension - the country's first new-built yard in a generation.

The new yard marks a major milestone in Sembcorp Marine's growth strategy. Harnessing the company's 47 years of expertise in marine and offshore engineering and construction, the yard will boast a revolutionary design and the latest production technology and processes. As a result, land use will be optimised and supply-chain efficiency improved, achieving a jump in productivity, resource optimisation and operational synergy.

An improved dock and quay ratio will ensure effective utilisation and faster turnaround for repairs and upgrading of ships, rigs and other floating structures. The integrated facility will also enable workers to be cross deployed, allowing Sembcorp employees to multi-task and improve the quality of the Singaporean work force in the process. Upon completion, the 206-hectare, purpose-built yard will boost Sembcorp Marine's total dock capacity by 62 per cent to 3.075 million deadweight tonnes (dwt).

Guest-of-honour Lim Hng Kiang, Singapore's Minister for Trade and Industry, recognised the company's commitment to raising productivity levels. "Boosting productivity levels will be a key factor in ensuring that our marine and offshore industry continues to grow and achieve long-term sustainable competitiveness," he added.

A One-stop Solutions Hub for Maritime Activities

Designed as a centralised and integrated one-stop solutions hub for a variety of maritime activities including ship repair and conversion and offshore engineering, the comprehensive facility is well-equipped to serve a wide range of vessels and will meet new regulatory requirements and environmental standards.

The yard will be built in three phases. The S$750 million (US$570.1 million) Phase 1 New Yard Development, covering about 73.3 hectares, will focus on ship repair and conversion. Scheduled for completion by the end of 2013, partial operations will commence in the second half of 2012. There will also be a Health, Safety and Environment Centre, medical clinic facilities, a training centre and a multi-storey dormitory for both staff and workforce.

Addressing this important development, Wong Weng Sun, President and CEO, Sembcorp Marine, said, "We are optimistic about the long-term outlook of the marine and offshore industry. With the New Yard, Sembcorp Marine will be well poised to respond to the anticipated growth in dock capacity demand and the increase in offshore oil and gas activities, spurred by the projected increase in seaborne and oil trades in Asia."

"With the New Yard, Sembcorp Marine will be well poised to respond to the anticipated growth in dock capacity demand and the increase in offshore oil and gas activities, spurred by the projected increase in seaborne and oil trades in Asia." - Wong Weng Sun, CEO, Sembcorp Marine