SINGAPORE: Marina Bay Cruise Centre Singapore will undergo its most extensive upgrade since opening in 2012, with a S$40 million (US$30.2 million) renovation to expand capacity and improve the passenger experience. 

Spearheaded by SATS-Creuers Cruise Services - the current terminal operator - the nine-month project will begin in the first quarter of this year, the company said in a press release on Friday (Apr 11). The works will be carried out in phases to minimise disruptions and the cruise centre will continue to operate on ship call days.

Upgrades include more lounge facilities, larger seating areas for embarkation and disembarkation, and check-in stations that can accommodate two larger cruise ships concurrently.

To improve transport accessibility, the vacant land in front of the cruise centre will also be converted into a ground transport area with more bus parking bays and more than double the number of ride-hailing lots. 

SATS-Creuers is a 60-40 joint venture between Singapore's SATS and Creuers del Port de Barcelona, a subsidiary of Global Ports Holding.

To support the investment, the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) has extended SATS-Creuers’ operator agreement for eight years, with an option to extend it for another two years. The revised agreement was formalised on Dec 18 last year and will potentially extend SATS-Creuers’ operations from May 2027 to March 2037.

The refurbished cruise centre will be better able to handle increased passenger volume in line with the trend of larger cruise ships, SATS-Creuers said. Once completed, Marina Bay Cruise Centre's passenger capacity is expected to increase from 6,800 to 11,700 passengers.  

SATS-Creuers chairman Bob Chi said the upgrade is timely as the cruise centre gears up for more intensive operations. "The upgrade will deliver a better visitor experience while improving efficiency for cruise ship operators," he said.

Ms Ong Huey Hong, assistant chief executive of STB's Industry Development Group, said Singapore's cruise industry is projected to grow steadily. 

“These improvements will solidify Singapore’s position as a leading cruise hub, offering world-class facilities that cater to the evolving needs of cruise lines and passengers,” she added.