SINGAPORE — Sembcorp Marine officially launched the largest integrated shipyard in Singapore at Tuas today (Nov 6), a move that further cements its position in the regional marine and offshore industry.

The 206-hectare Sembmarine Integrated Yard had seen its first phase completed and operational since August this year. Capable of serving a wide range of vessels, including very long range and mega carriers, the phase one facilities include Singapore’s widest drydock for jack-ups and semi-submersible rigs, as well as Asia’s longest and deepest ship repair drydock.

Phase one covers 73.3 hectares, while phase two, which will be operational in the next three to four years, will cover another 34.5 hectares.

“The Sembmarine Integrated Yard is an apt symbol of our growth and expansion — and it is timely that its launch comes during our 50th anniversary,” Sembcorp Marine chairman Goh Geok Ling said.

The new yard will also be the site to consolidate all five facilities that Sembcorp Marine currently operates in Singapore by 2024. Globally, the company is also present in Brazil, The United Kingdom, the United States, India and Indonesia.

Speaking at the launch today, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong complimented Sembcorp Marine’s contribution to Singapore’s marine and offshore industry, which accounts for 1.6 per cent of GDP and hires some 20,000 locals.

But he noted that the industry is also facing manpower and land constraints in Singapore, adding that the Government will step up its efforts to help the industry, along with the manufacturing and services sectors, remain competitive.