The MSW is purpose-built with crane lifting, cargo handling, mooring and berth facilities. The development comprises a 100-metres wharf structure and a single-storey administration building.
Innovative operating systems and processes put in place by terminal operator Jurong Port Pte Ltd include a new Lighter Wharf Management System (LWMS) to streamline transactions, reduce paper consumption and eliminate manual processes. The facility is also equipped with wireless Internet coverage to enable mobile transactions via the LWMS.
The new MSW will be particularly useful for lighter vessels serving ships in the eastern anchorages, given the shorter travelling distances and thus lower operating costs. Jurong Port Pte Ltd already operates the existing lighter terminal, Penjuru Terminal, in western Singapore for the western anchorages.
"With today`s official opening of MSW, we are back to having two lighter terminals, one each to serve the eastern and western anchorages," said Lam Yi Young, chief executive of the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore.
"MPA is acutely aware of the disruptions and inconvenience caused to lighter operators by the relocations of the lighter terminals over the past few years. We are appreciative of their understanding and I would like to thank all the lighter operators for their understanding and for their partnership over the years."
The head of the MPA explained that the city-state` s lighter terminals supply ships in the Port of Singapore with daily necessities for the crew like food, drinks, medicine and household items, and also ship stores and supplies like rope, lubricant, ship machinery and spare parts.
Singapore as 50 lighter operators operating a fleet of 310 vessels in the Port of Singapore. Together, they made about 50,000 calls at the lighter terminal last year and handled 650,000 tonnes of cargo.