The International Cruise Terminal project’s development schedule was delayed because of the project complexity, the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) said.
Chew Tiong Heng, cruise director of STB, said that “Due to the complexity of the project involving a combination of reclamation and marine engineering works, the development schedule for the International Cruise Terminal was adjusted to allow more detailed consultation and study to take place”.
“This was necessary to ensure that the terminal, when completed, will position Singapore as a leading cruise hub of the region, both from the design and operational perspectives”, Mr. Chew added.
The project’s construction at Marina South will be the next move in its development programme. The construction and piling of berth deck of the terminal was planned to commence last June, subsequent to the announcement made by the STB that proposals had already been prepared.
The location of the project is to be found on reclaimed land at the water’s edge beside PSA’s Brani container terminal. In order to determine the outcome of construction and the water flow in the area, hydrographic surveys were done as part of the preparatory work. However, the results of the surveys have not been publicised yet.
“We remain committed to the development of the International Cruise Terminal as one of the key tourism projects that will transform the tourism landscape and enhance Singapore’s attractiveness as a destination”, the cruise director reiterated.
The RSP Architects Planners & Engineers (RSP) and Bermello, Ajamil & Partners (BA) have collaborated to form a team in order to handle the project. The team emphasised that besides the difficulty of the terminal’s construction, the construction works for the project will be requiring a mixture of marine engineering works and reclamation. Thus, they are faced with lots of challenges.
The complexity of the project also included the need to secure interfacing of the numerous construction works, with the purpose of meeting the general construction timeline.
The team expressed that “Overall, we had to accommodate the many requirements of the various stakeholders, and resolve both design and engineering issues”.
Giving the building a distinguishing external form and profile for it to be iconic was the challenge. Furthermore, the team should also work on how the building would complement the nearby iconic developments, like the Marina Barrage, Gardens-by-the-Bay, the Marina Bay Sands Integrated Resort and the Singapore Flyer.
“The design also falls under the purview of the Design Advisory Panel of the URA, which has to approve the overall concept and form of the design”, the team highlighted.
The architects also said that the design had to take into account the Ministry of Home Affairs’ requirements and security processes to guarantee security and safety. The team however stated that it was committed and very positive that the terminal will be launched before 2011 ends.