Singapore’s new Tuas Port officially opened today, with three berths being operational. With a planned capacity of 65 million TEUs, it should double the port of Singapore’s capacity by 2040.

Once completed, it is also expected to be the world’s largest fully-automated port, incorporating artificial intelligence and machine learning to optimise the handling of increasingly complex operations. Following completion, operations at Keppel, Brani, Pasir Panjang and Tanjong Pagar will also be consolidated there.

Its infrastructure will also be able to accomodate the future’s increasingly large container vessels. It will gradually open in four phases, with a total of five berths planned to be operational by year’s end. The port’s location is also advantageous, as it is closer to Singapore’s industrial west, including the Jurong Industrial District, its Lake District and the Tuas industrial areas.

Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsian Long has described the port as a “critical engine” driving Singapore’s economy, and connecting the city-state to the global economy in an interview with Channel News Asia. Crucially, the new Tuas Port should relieve any congestion in the islands Tanjong Pagar, Keppel, Brani, Pasir Panjang, Sembawang and Jurong terminals in the long run.

Mr Laurent Olmeta, French container company CMA CGM’s Asia-Pacific CEO, said to the Straits Times: “The opening of Tuas Port is timely as it helps free up more yard capacity in Pasir Panjang Terminal, especially during a supply crisis that has caused more containers to be stuck here.” As such, the multi-purpose Jurong Port should be able to handle more ro/ro and project cargo down the line.