Ports & Shipping: In Brief - Brief Article - Statistical Data Included

Business Asia, July, 2000

THE PORT of Singapore has clinched the "Best Seaport in Asia" award for the 12th time. The accolade came at the recent 14th Asian Freight Industry Awards (AFIA). Speaking at the award ceremony, Chert Tze Penn, director-general of the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), said: "Winning this top honour is important for Singapore. It bears testimony to the port users' strong vote of confidence in the Singapore port since voters of this award include major shipping lines, terminal operators, freight forwarders and shippers." In a bid to remain in the top position, the MPA says it will continue to develop its facilities, as well as offer quality maritime services such as bunkering and towage.

-- Reuters

P&O PORTS Australia has been awarded the container terminal contract in the Indian port of Chennai, Tamil Nadu. P&O plans to invest A$100 million in terminal development over five years. Chennai is the largest port on the east coast of India and is the country's second-largest container port. A spokesperson for P&O says the new contract will form part of a regional network of port operations it is forming. The Australian company beat Hongkong International Terminals, part of the Hutchison Whampoa Group, to win the concession.