PSA Singapore Terminals has enlisted the Singapore Shipping Association (SSA) to address a surge in traffic volumes at PSA's Singapore terminals.
The SOS call comes after PSA placed a USD69.8 million order with Zhenhua Port & Machinery Corp (ZPMC) for 12 new super post-Panamax quay cranes in May.
Throughput at PSA Singapore had increased 14% to 6.36 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU) in the first four months of the year, according to PSA Singapore Terminals CEO Grace Fu.
PSA met with members of the SSA last month to "proactively address" concerns at the surge in volumes which have led to lengthy delivery delays.
SSA said that with extra manning and more equipment, PSA could facilitate faster turnaround of ship calls.
The SSA would also encourage its shipping members to provide more information to facilitate better planning by PSA.
"We are pleased that PSA has listened to our feedback and that it will study all our suggestions to further improve the situation," SSA services committee chairman Patrick Phoon said.
"In fact, from the statistics shown, delays have dropped significantly and things have started to flow much better.
"PSA's operations staff are working round-the-clock and we appreciate their efforts.
"We know they are very keen to reduce the delays and priority will be given to critical services."