ADMINISTRATION OF JURONG PORT

Mr Yeo Choo Kok asked the Minister for Communications and Information whether his Ministry intends to take over the administration of Jurong Port so as to standardise port administration in Singapore.

The Minister for Communications and Information (Dr Yeo Ning Hong): Sir, Jurong Port was established in 1965 to serve the factories in the Jurong Industrial Estate. It is owned by the Jurong Town Corporation (JTC) but managed by PSA in accordance with the management agreement between PSA and JTC. This arrangement has ensured proper coordination and standardized port administration and tariff structure.

There might be advantages in pooling the resources of all the gateways in Singapore to optimize the use of our facilities and to further increase the levels of efficiency. This could further improve our competitive edge. My Ministry and the Ministry of Trade and Industry will study the merits of bringing Jurong Port under the administration of PSA.

Mr Yeo Choo Kok (Delta): Sir, when does the Ministry intend to study the pros and cons of this proposal and when will it be completed? How long will it take?

Dr Yeo Ning Hong: Sir, studies have already been initiated and they will be carried out as expeditiously as possible.