Singapore extends boxship dues cut

Singapore: Singapore is extending its longstanding port dues cut for container ships for another two years. The Maritime & Port Authority of Singapore said the 20% port dues concession for box ships first introduced in May 1996, would be extended from 1 July this year through to the 30 June 2012. The concession applies to all container vessels that stay in port for less than 10 days. Last year 14% of the 130,575 vessel calls at the port of Singapore were made by container ships. "This extension of port dues concession for container ships underscores our commitment to the maritime industry and our commitment to continue to provide a pro-business environment," Lam Yi Young, chief executive of the MPA. [02/05/10]