In early March, the Singapore Government issued a White Paper on Singapore’s Response to COVID-19, following the withdrawal of Singapore’s remaining COVID-19 measures. The White Paper examines the country’s response to the pandemic and identifies shipping as a critical component in obtaining needed supplies.
As mentioned in the report, Singapore maintained its connectivity to the outside world throughout the COVID-19 crisis, which was essential to the nation’s supply chain resilience. One of the most crucial means to achieve the supply of necessities, was by ensuring the availability of marine shipping.
With limited air cargo capacity (due to underutilized passenger planes) most food, particularly protein and meat supplies, had to be shipped by sea. Despite transmission risks, the Ministry of Transport worked hard to keep port and land links open for the flow of goods.
Measures employed for shipping goods:
- The Maritime and Port Authority arranged for crew transfers in bubbles under tight operational control, including the establishment of a floating hotel to house crews in transit.
- Pacific International Lines deployed ships to ports in the region and beyond and continued to ply routes that kept food supplies flowing to Singapore.
- In May 2020, they agreed to enhance economic cooperation and connectivity with Poland, paving the way for shipments of Polish eggs, frozen vegetables, and frozen chicken.
- Even at the height of uncertainty, with the threat of supply shortages, the government never imposed export control. Singapore remained an open hub for international business.
Overall, Singapore’s supply chains passed the COVID-19 test. Despite significant obstacles, they were able to maintain Singapore’s supply of essential goods and services. They could not have done it without employing shipping and marine transport.