Keeping Our Waterways Clear

Chua Kim Beng learns how Tian San Shipping is using digital technology to help keep Singapore waters and the vessels at its port spick and span

- Chua Kim Beng

Keeping Singapore’s waterways flotsam-free and clearing garbage from all vessels that call at the Port of Singapore are not easy tasks — more than 130,000 ships visit the Port annually. Still, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore’s appointed vendor, Tian San Shipping (TSS), is carrying out its duty with care and dedication.

FROM NICHE TO MAINSTREAM

TSS has been an integral part of Singapore’s shipping scene for close to four decades, ferrying passengers, vehicles and equipment. About 20 years ago, it started an Environmental Services division to clear flotsam, respond to oil spills, and collect garbage from ships.

“Though Environmental Services started out as a niche business, this has evolved over time, and marine environment protection is so important now, in particular for issues such as marine plastic pollution,” says Mr Mark Ko, Executive Director of TSS [see sidebar].

Mr Ko remarks that TSS has expanded its abilities in flotsam clearing and garbage collecting over the years, in tandem with the economic growth of Asia and Southeast Asia. The lack of infrastructure in some parts of the region has resulted in a rise of waste in rivers and oceans. “During the monsoon seasons, we observe an increase in the volume of flotsam,” he describes. “It pollutes the ocean, poses a serious navigation hazard, and needs to be cleared to ensure safety.” As for garbage clearance from vessels, that business has grown alongside Singapore’s reputation as a major shipping hub. But it is not just the sheer number of vessels that has to be addressed. “We have seen a corresponding increase in the volume of garbage collected from these vessels,” he shares.