Sembcorp Marine officially launched the first phase of its massive 206-hectare integrated yard, the largest in Singapore, at Tuas on November 6.

The first phase, covering 73.3ha, has four dry docks for very large crude carriers with a total dock capacity of 1.55 million deadweight tonnes, and piers and basin lengths totalling 3.9km. It also has worker dormitories, with a centralised kitchen, sports facilities and laundry services.

The second phase will be put into operation in the next three to four years and will cover another 34.5ha.

At the launch, Singapore’s Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong spoke highly of Sembcorp Marine’s contribution to Singapore ’s marine and offshore industry, which accounts for 1.6 percent of GDP and hires some 20,000 locals.

The Singapore Government head pointed to the marine and offshore industry’s problems of manpower and land constraints in Singap. He assured that the Government will help the industry, along with the manufacturing and services sectors, remain competitive in the region.-VNA