Opening Remarks by Senior Minister of State for Transport Dr Lam Pin Min at the Opening Ceremony of Ocean Network Express (ONE)

Introduction

H.E. Kenji Shinoda, Ambassador of Japan to Singapore

Mr Jeremy Nixon, CEO of Ocean Network Express

Colleagues and friends

1.     I am delighted to join friends from Singapore and Japan to celebrate the opening of Ocean Network Express, or ONE’s global headquarters in Singapore.

Japanese Shipping Companies’ Role in Growing Maritime Singapore

2.     Singapore and Japan’s economic ties go back many decades. Japanese shipping companies have been part of our economic landscape even before Singapore’s independence. Since NYK, MOL and “K” Line entered Singapore between the 1950s to 1970s, we have been working closely with them to grow their operations in Singapore. Each brought along its own success story.

3.     NYK entered Singapore as a representative office in 1955. In 2001, NYK established its subsidiary NYK Shipmanagement in Singapore with only 10 employees. Today, the company is run by over 200 employees managing more than 100 ships.

4.     MOL and Singapore go way back to 1883 when it first started transporting coal between Singapore and Japan. MOL officially set up its office in Singapore in 1977, and today, Singapore is home to more than 10 MOL group companies and hundreds of staff.

5.     “K” line first came into Singapore as a representative office in 1973 and grew to a full-fledged shipping agency in 1981. In 2009, together with PSAC and NYK, “K” Line established Singapore’s first Asia Automobile Termination at the Pasir Panjang Terminal.

6.     As Singapore transformed from a budding young nation to a modern metropolis, all three companies also expanded their operations in Singapore. Indeed, a large part of the Singapore story is about how our maritime sector has grown and flourished. The establishment of ONE’s global headquarters here today marks a new chapter in our growth story.

Call to Build a Future-ready Maritime Singapore Together

7.     Singapore’s maritime sector is, and will continue to be a critical engine of growth for our economy. The Singapore Government is fully committed to not just developing the industry, but to making Singapore a Global Maritime Hub for Connectivity, Innovation and Talent, where all players can grow and flourish.

8.     We will realise this vision through our Sea Transport Industry Transformation Map, or ITM. We believe that the ITM’s focus on innovation, production, skills and talent will make a critical difference, and bring the maritime sector to a new level. In this regard, ONE’s emphasis on innovation and talent is well-aligned with our plans.

9.     To turn our ITM into reality, we need to act collectively. I am confident that ONE and everyone here, together with the Government, will work closely together to seize the opportunities and continue to transform and build up Maritime Singapore.

Conclusion

10.    On this note, let me welcome ONE to our community. Thank you for your vote of confidence in Singapore. I wish ONE all the best in your future endeavours.

11.    Have a good evening ahead. Thank you.