Chapter 13 The Port of Singapore and its Governance Structure

This chapter provides an overview of the port of Singapore and then focuses on the governance structure within which it operates. An analysis is undertaken of the main sources of cargoes that pass through the port, either to and from its hinterland region or as transhipments. The overall performance of the port is assessed across a range of criteria and the different forms of operation that take place within the port are explained. In considering the governance structure within which all this takes place, particular attention is paid to the role of the Maritime and Port Authority (MPA) of Singapore as the statutory regulatory authority and to the ownership structure of the container-handling sector and the potential for privatisation within it. The chapter concludes with an exposition of the major challenges facing the port and an analysis of the potential future of the port itself and its governance structure.