Singapore is making an unprecedented large-scale attempt. It is building a massive port, the outline of which can even be seen from space by satellites. The Tuas Mega Port is not just another port expansion. Singapore is creating new land from the sea, building what will be the most advanced and automated shipping hub in the world.

This is not a simple project of a few docks and warehouses. It is a massive project that will take 20 years, covering 1,337 hectares, integrating cutting-edge automation and digital logistics systems. Once fully operational, the Tuas Mega Port will handle up to 65 million 20-foot standard containers (TEU) per year, surpassing any other port in the world today.

The facility is comparable in scale to a large international airport, designed to handle the largest cargo ships ever built. Every element of its infrastructure is optimized for efficiency, safety, and environmental sustainability. Its remarkable aspect is that most of the land beneath it did not exist ten years ago.

Singapore is not only reshaping maritime trade with the Tuas Mega Port, but also investing 7.5 billion dollars to expand Changi Airport, creating a new generation of aviation hub to meet future growth in passenger and freight traffic. The dual advantage of sea and air transport highlights Singapore's efforts to solidify its position as a global leader in trade and tourism.

The World's Largest Port

Singapore has an area of just over 700 square kilometers, lacks natural resources, and has limited land, but its geographical location has always been its greatest advantage. It is located in the heart of the Strait of Malacca, one of the busiest waterways in the world, connecting the Indian Ocean and the South China Sea.

In 1819, Sir Stamford Raffles established a British trading post here, inadvertently putting Singapore on a path that would determine its fate. The opening of the Suez Canal in 1869 made Singapore a necessary stop for ships traveling between Europe and Asia.

After independence in 1965, Singapore's leaders understood that trade must become the country's lifeline. The government invested heavily in port infrastructure and efficient container handling systems. By the 1980s, Singapore had become the busiest port in the world and has maintained this title for many years.

Today, Singapore remains one of the three largest ports in the world, competing fiercely with Shanghai Port and Ningbo Zhoushan Port in China. Over 140,000 ships pass through its waters each year, averaging one every four minutes. Its docks connect to more than 600 ports in 120 countries, handling a wide range of goods from crude oil, chemicals, electronics, cars, and food.

However, Singapore's container throughput has grown too quickly, causing its docks in Tanjong Pagar, Pasir Panjang, Blakang Mati, and Keppel to reach capacity. Dispersed operations mean longer transportation times, and there is limited space for expansion.

In 2015, Singapore launched its own solution: Tuas Port, a single integrated terminal designed for global trade in the next century.

The Vision of Tuas Port

Tuas Port is Singapore's largest infrastructure project to date, constructed in four phases.

Phase One (2015-2022)

Singapore used an 8.6 km long seawall and millions of cubic meters of dredged sand to reclaim 414 hectares of land. Engineers deepened the seabed and raised the land to five meters above the average sea level to combat rising sea levels. This phase built 21 deep-water berths capable of accommodating ultra-large container ships.

Phase Two (2019-2027)

The project is currently expanding westward, adding 387 hectares of land. A large maintenance base is under construction to support advanced automated equipment. Engineers are also preparing for high-capacity berths and integrated digital logistics systems.

Phases Three and Four (2027-2040)

The final phase will complete the construction of Tuas Port, featuring a total of 66 berths with an annual capacity of 65 million TEU. At that time, all of Singapore's existing terminals will be relocated to Tuas Port, consolidating port operations into a fully automated major hub.

Although only one phase is currently operational, Tuas has already handled over 10 million containers since 2022.

Tuas Port Uses Artificial Intelligence and Automation

Every element of Tuas Mega Port is designed for smart interconnected operations. Automated stacking cranes up to 12 stories high can move containers without human intervention. Driverless automated guided vehicles (AGVs) transport goods between berths and yards. Drones perform inspections, while augmented reality glasses provide workers with real-time diagrams and cargo data.

The centralized control tower integrates artificial intelligence analysis, predictive maintenance, and real-time monitoring of every crane, vehicle, and container. This approach increases efficiency while reducing operational errors and accidents.

According to the port operator PSA International, Tuas Port will serve as a testbed for artificial intelligence logistics solutions that can then be deployed globally in supply chains.

Building a Cleaner and More Resilient Port

Ports have traditionally been sources of pollution. Singapore is committed to changing this. Half of the port equipment at Tuas will be electrically powered, and solar panels are being installed on rooftops and open spaces. The port is expected to reduce emissions by at least 50% compared to existing terminals.

Singapore has also designed Tuas Port to withstand climate risks. Engineers have elevated the reclaimed land and built strong seawalls to cope with rising tides and storm surges. The port's design aligns with Singapore's national commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.

The Importance of Tuas Port to Global Trade

Even with geopolitical tensions and supply chain disruptions, 80% of goods are transported by sea. Singapore's geographical location gives it a key advantage over competitors like the Port of Klang in Malaysia or the Port of Tanjung Priok in Indonesia.

Tuas Port will streamline logistics processes by integrating operations, reducing transportation times, and supporting the world's largest container ships. Its advanced systems will attract shipping companies seeking reliability and cost savings.

The port is also expected to create tens of thousands of jobs in engineering, logistics, and technology sectors. It is not just infrastructure; it is a national economic engine that will determine Singapore's role in global trade for decades to come.

A Brilliant Move with Vision and Risk

The Tuas Mega Port is a story of bold vision, careful planning, and ambitious technology. Few countries look that far ahead, but Singapore is looking as far as 2040 and beyond.

The project carries risks. Trade patterns may change, regional competitors may strengthen, and automation may face unforeseen challenges. However, Singapore's foresight and execution indicate that Tuas Port is not a gamble. It is a well-planned strategy to maintain its indispensable role in global trade.

Just outside Tuas, Singapore is planning the Long Island project, a large-scale reclamation effort that could protect the nation from rising sea levels, but may also become the most controversial gamble yet.

Source: Incredible Construction

Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7533455487838175754/

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