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The Singapore Tourism
Board (STB) has affirmed its commitment to develop Singapore as a
major cruise hub and will be showcasing the new cruise terminal
design for the first time at the Seatrade Cruise Shipping Convention
2009 in Miami, USA from 17 to 19 March 2009. This follows the
announcement last year that Singapore would build a new
International Cruise Terminal at Marina South and double its current
cruise handling capacity.
Bermello, Ajamil and Partner, Inc. (BA) and RSP Architects Planners
and Engineers (Pte) Ltd, were appointed in May 2008 to design the
cruise terminal.
“The new cruise terminal’s nautical theme was chosen as a natural
complement to the terminal’s function and setting. We believe that
the terminal’s rooftop depicting a modern interpretation of low
rolling waves will provide for a very welcoming sight to passengers
as their cruise ship sails into Singapore,” said Mr Chew Tiong Heng,
STB’s Director for Destination Marketing and Cruise, who elaborated
that the International Cruise Terminal will add to a distinctive
Singapore skyline set to feature architectural gems such as the
Marina Bay Sands™, Gardens by the Bay and the Singapore Flyer.
Beyond its exterior design, the International Cruise Terminal’s
interior will be characterized by a clean and simple layout to
ensure a smooth and seamless passenger experience. Designed to
accommodate the world’s largest ships, the terminal includes a
spacious arrival and departure hall as well as a large ground
transportation area to allow for efficient passenger movement.
Mr. Chew concluded, “The International Cruise Terminal is a key
infrastructural project that is vital to help Singapore capitalize
on the global and Asian market growth of the cruise industry. Even
amidst the current economic climate, the STB is committed to
delivering this key infrastructure by the end of 2011 to help
position Singapore as a regional cruise hub.” With the design
finalized, the next stage will be to commence construction with
groundbreaking expected to take place in the next quarter.”
The cruise market continues to show encouraging growth in the UK,
defying the general industry trend. According to figures released by
the Passenger Shipping Association on 16 March 2009, the number of
Britons taking a cruise grew to nearly 1.5 million in 2008,
representing an 11% growth on the previous year.
As The Singapore Tourism Board’s Area Director for Northern and
Western Europe explained: “The new cruise terminal will help us
capitalize on the growing popularity of cruise holidays here in the
UK and increase the number of cruise liners stopping in Singapore.
Already one of the popular cruise destinations in Asia, the new
terminal will further enhance visitors experience when cruising into
Singapore." |