South Korea’s HMM has become the sixth container line to enter into a joint venture terminal in Singapore with PSA.
The new joint venture HMM – PSA Singapore Terminal (HPST) will be 58%
owned by the Singapore terminal operator with HMM having a 42% stake. It is due
to start operations at the end of the year subject to regulatory approvals.
HMM is taking delivery of a series of 24,000 teu newbuildings this year, the largest containerships currently operating globally and said the jv terminal would provide long term certainty for its hubbing operations in the region.
PSA and HMM will also plan to collaborate on operational technology
developments and innovations.
Jae-hoon Bae, president & ceo of HMM, said: “We believe this joint
venture terminal in Singapore plays a significant role as a springboard for
both parties to move forward to a new phase. In addition, HMM looks forward to
creating greater synergy for our 24,000 teu vessels by securing berth on
arrival and providing more reliable services for our customers through the
joint venture.”
Ong Kim Pong, regional ceo Southeast Asia, PSA International, said, “We
look forward to working alongside HMM to unlock the potential of our combined
strengths and capabilities.”
It is the sixth joint venture container terminal PSA has entered into in
Singapore. The terminal operator also has jvs with Cosco Shipping, CMA CGM,
Ocean Network Express (ONE), MSC, and Pacific International Lines (PIL). It
also has a joint venture automobile terminal with NYK and K Line.
PSA’s regional ceo of Middle East South Asia & head of business
development, Wan Chee Foong, said the role of the hub port had been reinforced
by supply chain disruption during in Covid-19 with lines using Singapore as
staging hub for cargoes destined for congested gateway ports.
Seatrade — 03 Sep 2020