As part of a takeover that will further enhance Singapore‘s reputation as a world-class petrochemical logistics hub, COSCO Shipping International (Singapore) bought the final building permit for Phase Two of its Jurong Island Logistics Hub (JILH) project. After receiving official approval, the construction firm’s workers will begin groundbreaking on June 24, which will effectively double the size of the plant and solidify the city-state’s position in supply chain innovation.
Phase Two: Doubling Down on Efficiency
Another 2.5 hectares, or 3.5 football fields, of JILH Phase Two provides another 62,500 square meters of state-of-the-art built-up area. Built to address the boom in demand by petrochemical and chemical corporations that require precision handling, rigorous safety protocols, and around-the-clock operation, the landmark phase expansion complements existing infrastructures of Phase One to become the full-fledged integrated hub. The two complexes will be joined by shared facilities seamlessly, say, a ramp from roof to ground. That one feature alone can reduce cargo transfer time by up to 30%, industry professionals state, in an attempt to enable even the most time-sensitive loads to pass through the plant smoothly.
A Legacy of Leadership in Logistics
COSCO Shipping International (Singapore) enjoys mega-scale logistics expertise. As a member of the international COSCO Shipping operation’s global network—one of the world’s premier container carriers—the Singapore operation can leverage a worldwide network on six continents and transport over 30 million TEUs annually. Easing seamlessly into Jurong Island’s chemical hub, COSCO leverages centuries of maritime know-how, as well as local expertise, to customize the industrialized needs of its clients.
Jurong Island: From Swampland to Petrochemical Center
Jurong Island itself is a testament to a contemporary engineering wonder. Starting with seven tiny islets in the 1990s, it has grown to have over 100 petrochemical facilities and account for over 10% of the GDP of Singapore. The island’s network of pipes, jetties, and tanks, operating with remarkable efficiency, demonstrates the city-state’s proficiency in minimizing land resources. The commissioning of JILH Phase Two is well-timed with Singapore’s “Jurong Island Vision 2030” with the aim of driving industry partnerships, driving initiatives for sustainability, and driving frontiers in process intensification.
Safety First: Dealing with Hazardous Materials
Dangerous commodities (DG) handling requires careful planning, special equipment, and strict compliance with international regulations. Segregated storage areas, refrigerated rooms, and spill containment equipment are some of the aspects of JILH Phase Two. Drumming in-transit facilities will allow for packaging products from ISO tanks into drums or IBCs to reduce last-mile shipping expense while reducing risk of handling. The 24-hour transportability of the logistics center with GPS-equipped vehicles and certified hazardous-materials drivers also permits around-the-clock operations.
Containers Beyond: A One-Stop Logistics Ecosystem
While container-in-container storage will remain its main business, the JILH plant expansion will also house an empty container depot and a special drumming yard—facilities that are in growing demand from specialty chemical companies that require turnkey logistics. This end-to-end system approach is a duplication of best global practices, where end-to-end supply chain management yields the highest operating efficiency and minimizes carbon footprint through optimization of load planning and lower idling time.
Green Ambitions Amid Industrial Might
While Jurong Island is associated with heavy industry, Singapore’s green master plan demonstrates the correlation between environmental stewardship and economic growth. Solar rooftopspace for photovoltaic panels falls within Phase Two, producing up to 1.5 MW of clean power annually. Rainwater harvesting systems and green buffer zones will effectively mitigate runoff and reduce ecological footprint, demonstrating the incompatible nature of logistics innovation and green accountability.
Plotting the Petrochemical Logistics Future
With construction set to start next week, COSCO Shipping Singapore’s Phase Two expansion marks a new petrochemical logistics chapter. JILH will address the region’s increased demand by more than doubling capacity, incorporating advanced safety features, and adhering to green policies. As supply chains globally become increasingly complex, Singapore’s vision plan—engendered strongly by such trailblazer projects—is to be the hub where speed, safety, and sustainability converge.
