Published April 22, 2009

Tough conditions ahead for shipping: minister

Still, govt aims to groom S'pore as an int'l maritime centre

By VINCENT WEE

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(SINGAPORE) As the achievements of members of the maritime community were recognised at the fifth Singapore International Maritime Awards last night, guest-of-honour Transport Minister Raymond Lim also recognised the tough conditions facing the sector.

'Clearly, shipping has been deeply affected by the global economic slowdown, as is evident from the considerable fall in freight and charter rates and cargo volumes handled at ports around the world,' he said.

'During these tough times, the government remains committed to Singapore's growth as an international maritime centre' and will help businesses, he added. For example, it has introduced port fee concessions to reduce business costs and help alleviate short-term difficulties.

Mr Lim urged companies to also use the slowdown to develop talent and train manpower so they will be well placed when the economy recovers. In line with this, he announced a new Graduate Attachment Programme (GAP) scheme to link fresh graduates with maritime companies via attachments that will give them valuable working experience while getting a monthly stipend. Details will be announced soon.

Even during a downturn, it is vital that the industry continue to be infused with new blood from which future leaders can be developed, Mr Lim said.

Singapore Maritime Foundation chairman SS Teo said: 'The maritime community welcomes initiatives such as GAP, which ensures the industry will continue to have a steady pool of talent.'

Six companies and one individual were recognised for their contributions to Singapore's development as global hub port and international maritime centre at last night's event.

Members of the Keppel Group were the stars. Keppel Offshore and Marine picked up the Offshore and Marine Engineering Award, and CEO Choo Chiau Beng took the International Maritime Centre (Individual) Award for his role in developing Singapore as a world leader in building and converting offshore vessels.

'It is a great honour for Keppel and me,' Mr Choo said. 'More importantly, we are heartened by the Maritime and Port Authority's commitment to strengthen the local industry and raise Singapore's profile at international level.'

Other award winners were: Global Energy Trading, for the Bunker Award; Nanyang Technological University, for the Excellence in Training Development Award; Ocean Tankers, for the Shipowner of the Year Award; Standard Asia, for the Maritime Service Provider Award; and BW Group, for the International Maritime Centre (Corporate) Award.

NTU Provost Bertil Andersson said the training award is an endorsement of NTU's contributions to the development and growth of the maritime industry. 'We will continue to develop NTU as the leading port of call for maritime education, training and research, and produce professionals to strengthen Singapore's position as a global hub and leading international maritime centre,' he said.

This is the first time an educational institute has won the training award.