The Challenges of the Singapore Port (Essay Sample)

THE SINGAPORE PORT
by (Name)
The Name of the Class
Professor
Name of the School
The city and state where it is located
Date
The Challenges of the Singapore Port
The Port of Singapore is a maritime powerhouse by exploiting the traditional routes that are present since independence. The success of the Port of Singapore is because of the strategic planning and innovation of the founding leaders. The Port is a vital participant in the global economy by connecting Singapore with significant trading markets. The Singapore Port is known to be among the busiest in the world, and as a transshipment hub skews Singapore’s economy due to the massive output it produces. However, the Port of Singapore is facing operational challenges despite having an essential role in the shipping industry.
The Port of Singapore is facing a rough operating environment due to the downturn in global trade. The Port is facing a declining arrival of container vessels, and the container throughput has been declining since 2016. In 2019, the container throughput fell to 626 million tonnes from 630 tonnes in 2018 (Kurohi, 2020). The Singapore port has been reporting lower container volumes, which is mainly as a result of the aligning of the mega shipping associations that are instead lifting the capacities of Port Klang and the Port of Tanjung (Woo, 2016). The situation is further worsened by Europe and the USA’s lack of confidence in the Port of Singapore, leading to reshoring. The Singapore Port experienced delays in 2019 due to the limited infrastructure, limiting the flow of goods as well as the internal storage capacity leading to delays. However, Singapore is investing in the Port to increase the ability to handle future needs.
The Singapore Port is also a market leader in bunkering. The procedure of bunkering is a demanding and delicate activity. Due to the numerous accidents in the past, the port workers have to manipulate the process carefully. The bunkering business is risky. Apart from the accidents that occur involving fires and oil spills, the Port faces additional threats. The risks adversely affect the machinery, due to using low quality or contaminated fuel. Thus high costs of maintenance due to bunkering contamination that causes vessel malfunction. The lack of confidence in the Port of Singapore is partly due to the ships facing problems from Singapore fuel, leading to malpractice accusations with regards to the procedures in bunkering.
In conclusion, Singapore’s neighboring countries are massively investing in transshipment corridors and ports, leading to th