MPA commissions new buoy tender vessel to enhance safety in Singapore waters

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) commissioned a new, enhanced buoy tender vessel to further enhance safety in Singapore waters.

Named "Panduan", which means guidance in Malay, the vessel has a heavier lifting capacity of 10 tons, which means it can lay bigger navigational buoys that are more visible. These buoys serve as the equivalent of traffic lights and traffic signs at sea to guide ships.

The new $4.8 million ship also has a faster cruising speed of 15 knots, compared to 10 knots for its decommissioned predecessor which has been in service for 17 years. It has also been equipped with fire fighting capabilities to assist during marine incidents.

Said MPA chairman Lucien Wong: "I am confident that with our new buoy tender vessel, we will be well placed to ensure the safety of navigation in our waters alongside the growth in Singapore's port and shipping operations."

Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.