At the Committee of Supply debate on the budget for the Ministry of Transport today, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office and Second Minister for Finance and Transport, Mrs Lim Hwee Hua announced an extension of 10 per cent port dues concession for all ocean-going ships with a port stay of not more than 10 days and 20 per cent port dues concession for harbour craft engaged in commercial activities within Singapore port waters for another six months from 1 April to 30 September 2010.

The extension is over and above existing port dues concession already enjoyed by the industry.  Last year, as part of its efforts to help the shipping industry during the economic downturn, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) introduced a 10 per cent concession in port dues to ocean-going vessels with a port stay of not more than 10 days and 20 per cent port dues concession for harbour craft (excluding pleasure craft for personal use) from 1 April 2009 to 31 March 2010.  With the latest announcement, these concessions will be extended till 30 September 2010.

“MPA remains committed to the maritime industry and will continue to consult and work closely with industry partners to help them adapt to the changing business climate,” said MPA Chief Executive, Mr Lam Yi Young. “The extension of port dues concession will help the shipping industry to lower business costs and boost Singapore's attractiveness as a hub for maritime businesses.”

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About the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA)
The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) was established on 2 February 1996, with the mission to develop Singapore as a premier global hub port and international maritime centre (IMC), and to advance and safeguard Singapore’s strategic maritime interests.  MPA is the driving force behind Singapore's port and maritime development, taking on the roles of Port Authority, Port Regulator, Port Planner, IMC Champion, and National Maritime Representative.  MPA partners the industry and other agencies to enhance safety, security and environmental protection in our port waters, facilitate port operations and growth, grow the cluster of maritime ancillary services, and promote maritime R&D and manpower development.