The Singapore Tourism Board (STB)  announced that SATS-Creuers Cruise Services Pte Ltd, a joint venture between SATS Ltd. (SATS) and Creuers del Port de Barcelona S.A. (Creuers), has been appointed the operator for Singapore’s International Cruise Terminal (ICT) for a ten-year term, with the option to renew for an additional five years. This is the result of an open tender that saw keen competition among three quality bidders. The two other bids were submitted by Marina Cruise Terminal Group and Singapore Cruise Centre Pte. Ltd. 
 
The assessment of all submitted bids was based on a rigorous set of criteria spelt out in the Tender Documents. These included the strength of their business plan, financial considerations, track record and credentials, as well as the quality of the proposed management team.
 
“My congratulations to SATS-Creuers for being appointed the operator of the ICT.   This is but another step, albeit an important one, in our on-going journey to build Singapore into a cruise hub for the region,” said Ms Ong Huey Hong, Director for Cruise at STB.
 
On winning the ICT tender, Mr Tan Chuan Lye, Acting CEO of SATS, said, “We are honoured to be chosen as the terminal operator for the ICT by Singapore Tourism Board. We understand the pivotal role of the new ICT in the growth of Singapore’s cruise industry. SATS and Creuers will leverage our respective strengths and competencies in aviation gateway and cruise terminal operations to offer innovative, quality services to the cruise lines, while enhancing the travel experience of cruise passengers at the various touch points within the ICT.”
 
Mr Carlos F. Domingo-Pages, Managing Director of Creuers , remarked, “Creuers has accumulated extensive and in-depth knowledge of the cruise industry and has been instrumental in increasing Barcelona’s cruise passenger traffic to become the largest cruise port operator in Europe. Together with our partner SATS, we intend to collaborate with STB and the industry stakeholders to grow and anchor Singapore’s position as the premier regional cruise hub and the leading homeport for major cruise lines.”
 
Presently constituting only nine per cent of the total global cruise market share by revenue^[1], Asia holds much potential for development as a new region for cruising.  Singapore’s cruise passenger throughput has grown steadily, registering an annual compounded growth rate of 4.3% from 2006 to 2010.   In 2010, Singapore welcomed over 1 million cruise passengers.  STB remains committed to working collaboratively with all industry partners to support the long term growth of the cruise industry in Singapore and the region.
 
When opened, the ICT will double Singapore’s berth capacity and accommodate the new generation of larger cruise liners. It is expected to commence the initial phase of operations in the second quarter of 2012.

[1] www.cruisemarketwatch.com