Singapore, one of the smallest countries in the world, is constructing what will soon become the largest port on the planet. The Tuas Mega Port, currently under development, is a £10 billion infrastructure initiative that will span 16 miles and is set to be completed in phases by the 2040s.
Handling Capacity to Surpass Shanghai Port
Once operational, the Tuas Mega Port will surpass the current largest port in the world, located in Shanghai, China. It is designed to handle 65 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), according to the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA). The port will occupy a vast area of 1,337 hectares—roughly equivalent to 3,300 football fields—and will feature 66 berths across 26 kilometres of coastline.
Phased Construction Underway
The port is being built in four phases. The first phase, which took six years, was completed in 2021. The second phase is already in progress, with several new berths operational. Once the mega port is fully open, Singapore’s existing older ports will be shut down, consolidating operations into this centralised, advanced facility.
Automation and Sustainability at the Core
A major focus of the Tuas project is automation and sustainability. The port will use 1,000 battery-powered autonomous vehicles and 1,000 automated yard cranes. To further reduce its carbon footprint, the port aims to reach net zero emissions by 2050. This includes integrating electrified port equipment to replace traditional fossil fuel-based machinery.
Seabed Deepening and Future-Proof Design
The project has also involved extensive seabed deepening to allow for larger ships and greater expansion potential in the future. Former Transport Minister S. Iswaran highlighted that increased port capacity would enhance maritime connectivity and reduce shipping costs for both imports and exports, making Singapore a more efficient global trade hub.
Economic Impact and Global Standing
Despite being only 284.1 square miles in size, Singapore continues to punch above its weight. With a population nearing six million, it is ranked as the 4th richest country globally by Global Finance. Its economy ranks 30th in the world, outpacing nations like Denmark, South Africa, and New Zealand.
The Tuas Mega Port is expected to further strengthen Singapore’s position as a key player in global shipping, boosting trade efficiency and creating new job opportunities within its thriving maritime industry
