Singapore’s international cruise infrastructure will double in capacity when the new International Cruise Terminal at Marina South becomes operational in 2010. Two new berths at the facility will accommodate the largest ships currently in service, as well as those on order including the new 5,400 capacity Genesis-class ships.
The new berths will complement the existing two berths at the Singapore Cruise Centre at Harbor Front; both cruise facilities are only 10-15 minute drive from each other.
Jason Ong, Area Director, Middle East and Africa, Singapore Tourism Board said the International Cruise Terminal will allow Singapore to capitalize on the global growth of the cruise industry.
“We are experiencing an increase in Middle Eastern clients taking cruise holidays from Singapore where they can choose from a range of cruise liners who offer them the chance to sail around the world in absolute luxury,” he said.
“These new cruise facilities will bring Singapore closer to its goal of becoming the ‘Cruise Hub of Asia’ and attracting even more Middle East visitors to sail from Singapore.”
The new facilities will also significantly increase Singapore’s cruise passenger handling capacity, helping meet Singapore’s target of achieving a throughput of 1.6 million cruise passengers by 2015. Last year, Singapore Cruise Centre reported a cruise passenger throughput of over 943,000, an increase of more than 10 per cent over 2006.
The Ocean Shipping Consultants has projected that Asia (Greater China, South Korea, Japan and Southeast Asia) can expect a 44 per cent growth in cruise passengers by 2010. By 2015, the number of Asian cruise passengers is expected to hit 2.02 million, an 88.79 per cent increase over 10 years - making the cruise industry one of the fastest growing segments of the tourism industry.
Recognizing this growth potential, cruise operators are offering a wide range of itineraries within Asia. Leveraging on Singapore’s strategic location between major international maritime routes, and its excellent air connectivity to more than 190 destinations in 60 countries worldwide, a number of cruise companies have chosen to create a base in Singapore to strengthen their Asian presence.
For example, several of the world’s top cruise lines, such as Star Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, Costa Cruises, P&O Princess and Silversea Cruises have made Singapore the homeport or marquee port for their Asian ship deployments.
Marina South boasts deep waters, a large turning basin and no height restrictions. The facility will be capable of berthing ships up to 220,000 GRT, measuring up to 360 metres (1,181 feet) in length with a draft of up to 11.5 metres (37.73 feet).
The International Cruise Terminal will be easily accessible to Marina Bay, Singapore’s new downtown and financial services hub, as well as surrounding attractions such as the Singapore Flyer, the world’s largest observation wheel, and the Marina Bay Sands TM Integrated Resort.
Cruise passengers can look forward to easy access and seamless connection to other parts of Singapore including the Changi International Airport, which is only a 20-minute drive away.
About Singapore Tourism Board
The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) is an economic development agency for one of Singapore’s key service sectors – tourism. The mission of the Board is to develop and champion tourism, so as to build the sector into a key driver of economic growth for Singapore. The STB aims to differentiate and market Singapore as a must-visit destination offering enriching experiences through the “Uniquely Singapore” brand. For more information, please visit www.stb.com.sg or visitsingapore.com.
Driving School returns to the Bahrain Grand Prix
Porsche Kids put the pedal to the metal for safety
Dubai. Continuing with the success the event has enjoyed since it arrived in Bahrain for the first time in 2006, the “Porsche Kids Driving School” programme returned once again to this year’s Formula1 Gulf Air Bahrain GP to a fantastic reception. The aim of this educational activity was to create awareness about road safety amongst children, and provide an exciting “Porsche experience” during the Formula One event.
For three exciting days, each one fully booked, more than 520 children aged between 3 and 10 lined up for a briefing about basic traffic rules and road signs, after which they were given Porsche pedal cars to drive around a mini road track. There were twelve Porsche 911 cars and two Baby Boxsters, for the smaller children, available at the Driving School, while parents could inspect a Cayenne S, with its Porsche-designed child seat, as their kids enjoyed the fun.
The event, a cooperation between Porsche Middle East and Africa and Porsche Centre Bahrain, Behbehani Brothers w.l.l., was staged in the F1 Village during the first round of “Porsche Mobil Supercup” held during the Formula One Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix 2008.
Deesch Papke, Managing Director of Porsche Middle East and Africa, stressed how the Porsche Kids’ Driving School reinforced Porsche’s commitment to promoting road safety: “As a performance car manufacturer, we have a social responsibility to all generations to help make roads safer. All our cars have advanced safety features to back up this message. And because education is essential to enhance safety, we have made a commitment to highlight this to the public, especially to a young audience.”
An exciting road-track was set up at the Sakhir circuit, complete with road signs, zebra crossings and traffic signs. This year, moreover, it boasted additional features, with bus stops, a petrol station, zebra crossing and traffic lights, all built into the course. After a briefing by a qualified instructor on road signs and traffic rules, the children were given the opportunity to drive on the track while adhering to basic road safety rules.
For the first time, children were separated into groups of beginners and repeaters. After completing the course, all the beginner participants received a “My First Licence” and an easy-to-understand booklet on road safety rules, the “Porsche Driving Book.” Those children who had participated before were given the slightly different “My Porsche Super Licence” and the “Porsche Super Driving Book.” While the card does not permit the child to drive, it does indicate that the card holder has participated in a road-safety programme.
Furthermore, each child received an information pack including a “Porsche Safe Driving Handbook” to promote awareness to parents of traffic rules, and explain what adults can do to make the roads safer for them and for their children.
Anthony Raymond, Brand Manager of the Porsche Centre Bahrain, Behbehani Brothers w.l.l., was delighted with the success of the event. “While Porsche is all about performance, we believe safety is critical, and that is why events like the Porsche Kids’ Driving School are so important for children and the wider community. Porsche Centre Bahrain is delighted once again by the success this event has delivered.”
