Singapore boosts maritime, aviation hub role as cargo flows shift and supply chain risks rise

Singapore is investing further in its infrastructure, processes and workforce to solidify its position as a trusted regional cargo centre.

- Kang Wan Chern

With more shippers expected to choose the city as their preferred transshipment and intermodal hub in 2025 and beyond, these investments aim to meet growing demand and strengthen Singapore's global logistics leadership.

Officials from the Ministry of Transport (MOT) and Economic Development Board (EDB) told The Straits Times that efforts are being made to speed up the time taken for air-sea intermodal shipments via Singapore in 2025, and incentivize leading logistics providers to expand their regional business activities and services provided here.

For example, a prototype app is being developed to equip shippers and logistics providers with functions to simplify and increase the efficiency of intermodal logistics in Singapore, an MOT spokesman said on Dec 20, in response to queries from ST.

The functions include real-time flight or vessel data and status, bookings of flights or sailings, early alerts of delays, and cargo status visibility.

The move is being carried out under an Alliance for Action initiative to improve coordination between sea and air cargo, MOT's spokesman said.

In March, Transport Minister Chee Hong Tat noted that the time taken for an air-sea intermodal transshipment via Singapore may exceed five days due to schedule uncertainties and manual processes carried out by smaller logistics providers.

He said his ministry's aim is to halve that dwell time, and a "stretched target" to enable goods to depart Singapore on a connecting flight or vessel within 24 hours of arrival has been set.

Work is also under way to expand Singapore's sea and air cargo handling capabilities through Tuas Port and the Changi Air Cargo Hub, as well as equip the workforce to adapt to advancements in the sector.