Tuesday, May 6, 2008

Renowned US Firm And S'pore Partner Appointed To Design New Cruise Terminal

Source : The Straits Times, May 06, 2008

A HIGH-PROFILE architectural firm from the United States and its Singapore partner have been appointed to design the International Cruise Terminal at Marina South.

The job goes to Bermello, Ajamil & Partners, whose portfolio includes highly prestigous projects like Dubai's The World, Dubai Maritime city and the New York City Cruise Terminal, and RSP Architects Planners & Engineers.

Mr Koh Chwee, JTC's Director of Engineering Planning Group said: 'JTC will leverage on our expertise in major ports and marine infrastructure construction and embark on this challenging International Cruise Terminal project. -- ST FILE PHOTO

Another local firm, Maunsell Consultants (Singapore), has been appointed the engineering consultant for the same project, said a joint statement on Monday from the Singapore Tourism Board and JTC Corporation, the government agency overseeing the overall development of the new cruise terminal.

They were picked by an evaluation panel of key executives from STB and JTC.

The Marina South terminal is intended to boost the existing cruise facilities and infrastructure to accommodate the new generation of larger cruise ships.

The architectural design will incorporate a terminal building alongside two berths, designed for operational efficiency and a seamless visitor experience.

It will also have all other facilities necessary to accommodate the largest ships currently in service, as well as those currently under construction.

Three firms - BEA International and CPG Consultants Pte Ltd, Bermello, Ajamil & Partners and RSP Architects Planners & Engineers and DMJM Design and DP Architects Pte Ltd - with the requisite experience were invited to participate in a limited tender, said the statement.

Besides having had prior experience in cruise terminal planning, each firm was required to choose a Singapore partner and participate as a consortium.

At the close of the tender on March 7, three proposals were submitted from the invited consortia. Mr Chew Tiong Heng, STB's Director for Leisure Planning & Cruise, said: 'All three invited bidders submitted strong proposals, reflecting a keen interest in the project. The evaluation panel eventually chose a winning consortium which stood out not only for its track record and experience in cruise terminal planning and design, but also a concept that best met the needs and functional requirements of the International Cruise Terminal.'

Four engineering consulting firms with the specialist knowledge and experience in marine engineering were invited to submit proposals for the engineering of the terminal.

At the close of the tender on Feb 22, all four firms - Jurong Consultants, Maunsell Consultants (Singapore), Parsons Brinckerhoff and Surbana Corporation - submitted proposals.

Maunsell Consultants was selected based on a combination of factors, including its technical experience and strong track record in handling similar projects in the past, said JTC.

Maunsell will oversee all the engineering aspects of the project, including the engineering designs of the berths and buildings, till completion.

Mr Koh Chwee, JTC's Director of Engineering Planning Group said: 'JTC will leverage on our expertise in major ports and marine infrastructure construction and embark on this challenging International Cruise Terminal project.

'We endeavour to provide innovative and leading-edge solutions to fast track the implementation of the project and complete it on time. JTC will work with STB to make this cruise terminal the next iconic feature in Singapore.'

JTC said with the appointments, the International Cruise Terminal is on schedule to be completed in 2010. Piling and construction works for the berth deck are expected to start in the second half of the year, and an operator for the terminal is targeted to be appointed by STB in the third quarter of this year. The final design for the cruise terminal and other details will be announced later.

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