Buzzing with activity, Jurong Port stands as a testament to Singapore’s industrial prowess. This isn’t just any port. Jurong Port is the only multi-purpose port in Singapore.
Established in 1963, Jurong Port initially supported the Jurong Industrial Estate’s growth. The Singapore Economic Development Board founded it. Two years later, in 1965, it commenced operations. In 1968, the Jurong Town Corporation took over, making Jurong Port a business division. Jurong Port became a fully owned subsidiary of JTC Corporation on January 1, 2001.
Imagine the port in its early days. Only two berths marked its humble beginnings. By 1970, cargo traffic exceeded one million tons. An expansion followed in 1971, adding four deep water berths, extending an existing berth, and building warehouses.
Think about the constant construction and reclamation. In 1989, Jurong Port announced the creation of Pulau Damar Laut. This added land and deepwater berths. Then in 1996, the Jurong Port Cement Terminal emerged. It was a dedicated common-user cement facility.
In 2001, Jurong Port’s Container Terminal opened on Pulau Damar Laut. This made Jurong Port a full-fledged multi-purpose port. Seven years later, in 2008, the Penjuru Terminal was created. It handles lighterage and shipchandling businesses.
Consider the scale of Jurong Port today. It covers 155 hectares. 127 hectares are under Free Trade Zone. It has 5.6 kilometers of berth length. Over 30 berths accommodate vessels up to 150,000 deadweight tonnes.
What about Jurong Port’s capabilities? The General Cargo Terminal handles steel, project cargo, and machinery. Jurong Port is also London Metal Exchange accredited. Its Bulk Cargo Terminal manages cement, furnace slag, and liquid bulk. The Cement Terminal is among the world’s largest. It handles over 90% of Singapore’s cement throughput.
Did you know Jurong Port also operates energy terminals? Jurong Port owns stakes in Jurong Port Tank Terminals and Jurong Port Universal Terminal. Together, they boast a capacity of about 2.9 million cubic meters.
The port handled 17.33 million tonnes and 320,000 TEUs of containers in 2014. It manages over 40,000 vessel calls annually.
Let’s talk safety. After a 2007 incident, Jurong Port enhanced its safety measures. It won a Lloyd’s List safety award in 2009.
Jurong Port is also embracing sustainability. A 10MWp solar installation sits on warehouse roofs.
Jurong Port stands as a multi-faceted hub, essential to Singapore’s economy. Jurong Port continues to evolve, driving Singapore’s maritime success. Jurong Port’s future shines bright.