REPORT ON MARITIME ONE MARITIME LEARNING JOURNEY

DATE TIME VENUE :

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FRIDAY, 15TH APRIL 2011 9.00AM TO 3.30PM PSA PASIR PANJANG TERMINAL, PSA POCC, RAFFLES LIGHTHOUSE & API API (OFF MARINA SOUTH)

BY LANCE SHEN & NURHAFIZH IZHAR AZHARI 20TH APRIL 2011

Introduction
This programme is in conjunction with the Sea Asia week that was conducted in Singapore. It was organized by Singapore Shipping Association (SSA) with collaborations with Association of Singapore Marine Industries (ASMI), Singapore Maritime Foundation (SMF) and Maritime Port Authority of Singapore (MPA). This programme was started on 2010 and will be continuing in the coming years for the benefits of the Singapore marine industries. There were about 90 participants for this trip and we were divided into 2 groups. The participants had a tour on PSA Pasir Panjang Terminal, POCC2 (Port Operation Control Centre2) and view of Vessel Traffic Information System (VTIS), Sea tour, Raffles Lighthouse and lastly, observe MPAs fire fighting vessel (Api Api) in action at off Marina South.

MARITIMEONE - MARITIME LEARNING JOURNEY ITINERARY 15TH APRIL 2011

Time 0900 0930 1010 Programme Coach departs from Tanjong Pagar MRT to PSA Vista [Group A] Introduction to MPA by CCD, MPA Introduction to the Maritime Industry by MaritimeONE Tour of POCC2 and view of Vessel Traffic Information System (VTIS) [Group B] Port Tour of PSA 1015 1100 [Group A] Port Tour of PSA [Group B] Introduction to MPA by CCD, MPA Introduction to the Maritime Industry by MaritimeONE Tour of POCC2 and view of Vessel Traffic Information System (VTIS) 1100 1115 - 1200 1215 1415 1415 1500 1515 1530 Depart PSA Vista for Pasir Panjang Ferry Terminal Board ferry for sea tour at Pasir Panjang Ferry Terminal Visit Raffles Lighthouse followed by lunch Depart Raffles Lighthouse for Marina South Pier Observe MPAs fire fighting vessel (Api Api) in action Coach departs Marina South Pier to Tanjong Pagar MRT End

1.. Container Terminals

In Singapore, PSA operates five container terminals: Tanjong Pagar, Keppel, Brani, Pasir Panjang Terminal 1 and Pasir Panjang Terminal 2. Operations work is seamless among them, with locations combining to act as a single, integrated port facility. PSA Singapore Terminals has a total of 54 container berths with a handling capacity of 35 million TEUs. PSAs most advanced terminals at Pasir Panjang are equipped with berths up to 16 metres deep and 40-foot Tandem lift quay cranes capable of accommodating mega container vessels plying the oceans, the terminals advanced bridge crane systems allow each operator to handle up to six cranes, giving the port a dynamic edge. PSA Singapore Terminal offers connections to 600 ports with a daily sailing to every major port in the world. PSA operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

Vehicle transshipment and multi-purpose Terminals

PSA operates the Pasir Panjang Automobile terminal (PPAT), which is Singapores first dedicated car terminal and vehicle transshipment hub. PPAT is supported by a multistory car storage yard and open storage yard, and has an annual capacity for handling some one million vehicles. In addition, our multi-purpose terminal (MPT) at Sembawang Wharves provides a host of port related logistics solutions, including long and short term warehousing and open storage facilities. The wharves handle break-bulk and specialized cargo including heavy equipment, steelworks and cables. Located within the Free Trade Zone in the port is our Keppel Distripark the preferred distribution facility among shippers, its close proximity allows cargo to be speedily delivered to and from the port. Customers also enjoy the flexibility to set up their Consolidated Distribution Centres (CDC) for the consolidation and distribution of goods or parts.

Fig 1: View of PSA Pasir Panjang Container terminal

2. Port Operations Control Centre (POCC)

Port Operations Control Centre (POCC) The POCC operates 24 hours, managing shipping traffic in the Singapore Strait and port waters around the clock. It operates a multi-radar Vessel Traffic Information System, providing real-time picture of traffic situation in the Straits and port waters. The system employs Singapore Electronic Navigation Charts, displayed on high-resolution graphic computer terminals. A ship database system provides information on vessels particulars. The POCC operates a shore-based Global Maritime Distress and Safety System facility to monitor distress alerts and calls from ships, and co-ordinate search and rescue (SAR) operations. It also disseminates Maritime Safety Information through the VHF, NAVTEX, and SafetyNET systems.

Fig 2: A view of the Operation Control Room at POCC2

3. Raffles Lighthouse
Raffles Lighthouse, located on Pulau Satumu, 23 km south-west of Singapore, at the western entrance of Singapore Straits, designed by John Bennet, was named after and dedicated to the memory of the founder of Singapore, Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles. The foundation stone was laid in 1854, by Colonel William J. Butterworth, C.B., Governor of the Straits Settlements. The lighthouse began daily operations from December 1855. History In July 1838, it was proposed that a lighthouse be built on one of the islands at the western entrance of the Singapore Straits, with suggestions that Barn Island, Alligator Island and Coney Island were the most advantageous. The eventual choice was Coney Island (today's Pulau Satumu), which was considered the best location with its position, on the south channel sea passage into Singapore, and ideal for hosting a lighthouse. Description The lighthouse stands on an island with a superficial area of 70 ft by 22 ft and is only 30 ft above sea-level. It was designed by John Bennet, a civil and mechanical engineer, who also assisted in the construction of St. Andrew's Cathedral. On 1 October 1968, the lighthouse was converted from kerosene to electrical light source, and with a new fourth order optic, the light-beam strength was increased from 99,000 to 350,000 candle power. Raffles Lighthouse is still in operation today. It is out-of-bounds except for the lighthouse staff and visitors with special permission.

Fig 3: Lighthouse is located on Pulau Satumu, indicated by the arrow, south of Singapore

4. MPAs fire fighting vessel (Api Api)

On 2003, the Maritime Fire Base at the West Coast Pier was officially opened by MPA to commission two fire-fighting craft, namely, API API 1 and API API 2. This marked a new phase in the Singapore port's capability to deal with incidents involving shipboard fires. Such capability would help minimize disruptions to port operations and safeguard the interests of port users. The Maritime Fire Base is housed at the West Coast Pier, a designated public landing place for the embarkation and disembarkation of passengers from harbour craft. The WCP offers full Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) facilities. Some $12 million was spent on developing the Fire Base and the two fire-fighting craft. Manned by trained emergency response personnel, these facilities would provide response to shipboard fires and other marine emergencies such as oil and chemical spills in the Singapore port. The new facilities underscore Singapore's commitment to promoting maritime safety and the safeguarding of the marine environment. On the last tour, the ferry while on the way to Marina South, stopped off Marina South to watch a demo by MPAs fire-fighting vessel Api-Api, throwing a spray of sea water with its two monitors.

Fig 4: Demostration of Api Api, MPA's fire-fighting craft spraying water

Conclusions
The tour showcases Singapores port capability, monitoring systems for vessels coming into Singapore and also fire fighting capability in case of an emergency. This tour was organized especially to the Shipping and Marine companies in Singapore. We have also met contact with of the participants. Overall the tour was an eye opener for us.