Engineering and Architectural Design Projects Awarded for Singapore’s International Cruise Terminal

The Singapore Government has appointed Bermello, Ajamil & Partners, Inc. and RSP Architects Planners & Engineers (Pte) Ltd for the architectural design of the International Cruise Terminal at Marina South, and Maunsell Consultants (Singapore) Pte Ltd as the engineering consultant for the same project.

Singapore’s new International Cruise Terminal is intended to boost the existing cruise facilities and infrastructure to accommodate the new generation of larger cruise ships. The architectural design will incorporate a terminal building alongside two berths, designed for operational efficiency and a seamless visitor experience. It will also have all other facilities necessary to accommodate the largest ships currently in service, as well as those currently under construction.

With these considerations, three firms with the requisite experience were invited to participate in a limited tender. Besides having had prior experience in cruise terminal planning, each firm was required to choose a Singapore partner and participate as a consortium: 

• BEA International and CPG Consultants Pte Ltd 
• Bermello, Ajamil & Partners, Inc. and RSP Architects Planners & Engineers (Pte) Ltd 
• DMJM Design and DP Architects Pte Ltd

At the close of the tender on 7 March 2008, three proposals were submitted from all invited consortia. An evaluation panel of key executives from the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) and JTC Corporation (JTC) selected the consortium comprising internationally renowned firm Bermello, Ajamil & Partners, Inc. and their Singapore partner RSP Architects Planners & Engineers (Pte) Ltd, to design the new cruise terminal.

Mr Chew Tiong Heng, STB’s Director for Leisure Planning & Cruise, said, “All three invited bidders submitted strong proposals, reflecting a keen interest in the project. The evaluation panel eventually chose a winning consortium which stood out not only for its track record and experience in cruise terminal planning and design, but also a concept that best met the needs and functional requirements of the International Cruise Terminal.”

Four engineering consulting firms with the specialist knowledge and experience in marine engineering were invited to submit proposals for the engineering of the terminal. At the close of the tender on 22 February 2008, all four firms submitted proposals. The four engineering consultants were:

• Jurong Consultants Pte Ltd 
• Maunsell Consultants (Singapore) Pte Ltd 
• Parsons Brinckerhoff 
• Surbana Corporation Pte Ltd.

Following the evaluation of the proposals, Maunsell Consultants (Singapore) Pte Ltd was selected based on a combination of factors, including its technical experience and strong track record in handling similar projects in the past. Maunsell will oversee all the engineering aspects of the project, including the engineering designs of the berths and buildings, till completion.

The architectural design and engineering projects were awarded by JTC, the government agency overseeing the engineering and technical aspects, and overall development of the International Cruise Terminal.

Mr Koh Chwee, JTC’s Director of Engineering Planning Group said, “JTC will leverage on our expertise in major ports and marine infrastructure construction and embark on this challenging International Cruise Terminal project. We endeavour to provide innovative and leading-edge solutions to fast track the implementation of the project and complete it on time. JTC will work with STB to make this cruise terminal the next iconic feature in Singapore.”

With the appointments, the International Cruise Terminal is on schedule to be completed in 2010. Piling and construction works for the berth deck are expected to commence in the second half of the year, and an operator for the terminal is targeted to be appointed by STB in the third quarter of this year. The final design for the cruise terminal and other details will be shared at a later date.

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