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The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) has introduced two additional measures to help the shipping industry during the current economic downturn.

These take the form of a 10 per cent port dues concession for all ocean-going vessels with a port stay of not more than 10 days, and a 20 per cent port dues concession for harbour craft engaged in commercial activities within Singapore port waters. Both measures will take effect from 1 April 2009 for a period of one year.

The 10 per cent concession in port dues to ocean-going vessels will be extended over and above existing port dues concessions already enjoyed by the industry, such as the 20 per cent port dues concession for containerships and 20 per cent port dues rebate scheme for vehicle carrier operators.

This concession will broaden the spectrum of vessels like bulk carriers, tankers and other types of ocean-going vessels benefiting from the financial relief.

The 20 per cent concession in port dues for harbour craft is targeted at helping the domestic sector. This concession seeks to lower the business costs of port and marine services providers, such as bunker suppliers, ship chandlers, tug boat operators and domestic ferry operators.

These additional port dues concessions are expected to benefit many operators whose vessels call at, and operate in the port of Singapore. In 2008, ocean-going vessels and harbour craft that operated in the port amounted to some 130,000.

"MPA is in regular consultation with industry representatives to develop measures to help companies weather the current economic downturn," said Captain M Segar, Group Director (Hub Port), MPA.

"The new concessions aim to help port users lower their business costs. MPA will continue to monitor the situation, as well as consult and work closely with industry partners through these challenging times."

At the start of 2009, MPA deferred an increase in annual port dues for older bunker tankers 16 years old and above. This was aimed at helping the bunker industry adjust to the changing business climate.