S’pore Maritime Gallery re-opens after S$1.75m makeover

SINGAPORE — From steering a ship through a simulator to checking out the components of various ship models on a digital tablet, visitors exploring the newly revamped Singapore Maritime Gallery will get some hands-on experience of what it is like to work at sea and learn how Singapore developed into an international maritime hub.

Officially re-opened yesterday, the gallery — near the Marina South Pier MRT Station — was given a S$1.75 million facelift after it was closed from end-June last year to March this year.

In a press release, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) said that it decided to revamp the gallery to provide “richer content” on the sector’s recent developments, and this was done with the support and help of key partners from the industry.

Located at the second storey of Marina South Pier — which is commonly used by passengers going to Singapore’s southern islands, such as Kusu Island — the gallery was first opened in September 2012 by then-Minister for Transport Lui Tuck Yew and has since hosted more than 100,000 visitors.

One of the highlights at the gallery is a simulated ship bridge, where visitors may get to try to be a captain by piloting eight unique ships through story-driven missions in Singapore’s waters.

Or they may head to the Vessel Traffic Information System exhibits to learn about the latest technologies used to manage traffic in Singapore’s busiest waterways. There, they get to use a tablet to point at and “spot” 3D ship models, view the ship’s components on screen and get information about their functions.

At a designated zone for children, hands-on and interactive activities are provided. These young visitors may play, for example, a container-stacking game that explains the importance of not overloading a vessel, or a “set sail” game where they can learn about navigational safety and the importance of marine conservation.

The gallery also features two new sections: One provides space to host exhibitions, workshops and other maritime-related activities, while the other is a resource corner for visitors to get maritime-related materials and publications for research work or students’ project work. The gallery handles group and school visits.

Other exhibits tell the growth of Singapore’s maritime capabilities and how the country prepares itself for the future.

Mr Andrew Tan, chief executive of MPA, said: “The transformation of Singapore from a small trading post into a global hub port and international maritime centre is a remarkable story. Singaporeans should be proud of this achievement while at the same time, not be complacent. The refreshed Singapore Maritime Gallery will allow us to reach out to younger Singaporeans and interest them not only in our heritage, but also a career in the maritime industry which contributes some 7 per cent to our GDP.”

The re-opening of the gallery comes ahead of Singapore Maritime Week, which officially starts on April 22. In the line-up are conferences, seminars, activities and networking sessions for key players from around the world in the maritime industry, including ship owners and builders, seafarers, investors, researchers, marine consultants, equipment manufacturers, and other logistics and service providers.

The gathering is expected to address the latest trends, developments, opportunities and challenges facing the maritime and offshore industry.

The gallery is open from 9am to 6pm, Tuesdays to Sundays including public holidays. It is closed on Monday unless it is a public holiday. Admission is free.

Go to www.maritimegallery.sg for more information.