Innovative upgrade for Singapore cruise terminal
The Marina Bay Cruise Centre Singapore (MBCCS) is set to undergo a major refurbishment valued at approximately S$40 million, aimed at boosting its capacity and improving passenger services. After the upgrade, the terminal will be able to accommodate up to 11,700 passengers, an increase from the current 6,800, allowing it to better support the rising trend of larger cruise ships and simultaneous dual ship calls.
SATS-Creuers, a joint venture between Singapore’s SATS and Creuers del Port de Barcelona S.A. (a subsidiary of Global Ports Holding), has been operating MBCCS since 21 May 2012. Since its opening, the terminal has handled over eight million passengers across more than 2,000 ship calls, reinforcing Singapore’s status as a key regional cruise hub.The Singapore Tourism Board has extended SATS-Creuers’ operating agreement through potentially 2037 to support this significant investment and continued growth of the cruise industry in Singapore.
The enhancements will focus on elevating the passenger experience by adding more lounge spaces, expanding seating areas for smoother embarkation and disembarkation, and installing check-in counters capable of handling two large cruise ships at the same time.
In addition, the vacant land in front of MBCCS will be developed into a larger Ground Transport Area (GTA), greatly improving access to and from the terminal. This new GTA will feature an increased number of coach bays and more than double the ride-hailing zones, providing more pick-up and drop-off points for buses and passengers alike. Traffic flow will also be improved through the widening of a section of Marina Coastal Drive, enhancing overall ground transport connectivity.
These upgrades will ensure MBCCS remains a world-class cruise terminal, ready to meet growing passenger demands and support Singapore’s position as a premier cruise destination.
A section of the existing Ground Transport Area (GTA) at Marina Bay Cruise Centre Singapore (MBCCS) will be converted into a new check-in zone, providing each cruise ship berthed at the terminal with its own dedicated check-in area during dual ship calls. The upgrade works will be implemented in phases to minimize disruption, ensuring that MBCCS remains operational on ship call days.
These elements reflect an innovative, holistic upgrade that not only boosts capacity but also reimagines passenger flow, operational efficiency, and transport connectivity, positioning MBCCS as a leading-edge cruise hub in the region.
The upgrade of Marina Bay Cruise Centre Singapore (MBCCS) will lower fuel consumption and carbon emissions by enabling faster, more efficient cruise ship processing and improving ground transport logistics, contributing to Singapore’s broader sustainability and climate goals.
Ong Huey Hong, Assistant Chief Executive, Industry Development Group, Singapore Tourism Board, said: “Singapore’s cruise industry is projected to grow steadily with year-round sailings, seasonal homeporting, and a robust calendar of transit calls from a diverse range of international cruise lines. Recognising the global trend towards larger ships, STB is collaborating with SATS-Creuers Cruise Services to enhance MBCCS. 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.”
Bob Chi, Chairman of SATS-Creuers, said: “This terminal refresh underscores our intent to make Marina Bay Cruise Centre Singapore one of the best stopovers for cruise ship passengers. The upgrade will deliver a better visitor experience while improving efficiency for cruise ship operators. We would also like to thank STB for their trust in SATS-Creuers for this extension of our partnership to grow the cruise industry in Singapore and the region by uplifting service levels and attracting major cruise lines to homeport or call at MBCCS – one of the world’s most important destinations for cruise passengers.”
Mehmet Kutman, Chairman & CEO of Global Ports Holding (parent company of Creuers), added:”As the world’s largest cruise port operator, Global Ports Holding brings extensive expertise in sustainable cruise port operations. This upgrade will not only enhance capacity but also align with our shared vision of creating future-ready cruise ports, reinforcing Singapore’s position as a leading cruise destination in the region. Together with SATS, we combine our expertise to deliver innovative solutions and exceptional outcomes for the cruise industry.”