by Lloyd's List

6 September (Lloyd's List) - THE Port of Singapore will continue moving containers via barge at night after a successful four-month trial.

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore said the move will help to reduce costs and turnaround time. Wait time for container berths at the port was reduced to less than a day in July 2024, the MPA said.

Containers had been moved by night at the port’s Branni and Keppel terminals, but not at Pasir Panjang, where navigation is more complicated.

But after a successful four-month trial with six barge operators, movement of line-towed container barges between 1900 hrs and 0630 hrs will be permitted at the terminal immediately. Each line-towed barge can carry 300 teu.

All barges will have compulsory pilotage, MPA said, and be closely monitored by the port’s vessel traffic management system. All night movements by line-towed barge will still need prior approval by the authority.