MPA to roll out $27m support package for maritime industry

MaritimeSG Together Package to take effect from 1 May.

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) announced the MaritimeSG Together Package to provide further financial support to the maritime industry, according to a press release.

The package will take effect from 1 May, on top of previous measures announced under the unity, resilience, and solidarity budgets.

The MaritimeSG Together Package, amounting to about $27m, will provide financial support to companies and individuals for training, as well as employment support to Singaporean seafarers.

A 30% port dues concession for cargo vessels and for all non passenger-carrying harbour craft in the Port of Singapore will also be provided from 1 May to 31 December, whilst the earlier announced 35% rebate on counter rental and overnight berthing for regional ferry operators will be increased to 50%.

MPA has also introduced new manpower schemes and will co-fund 50% of the internship allowance paid by maritime companies, capped at $500 per month per intern, up to a maximum period of six months.

In addition, the Seafarers Relief Package will also be rolled out along with the Singapore Maritime Officers’ Union (SMOU) for eligible seafarers who are unable to secure shipboard employment between 1 May to 31 July, where each can receive up to $800 per month in financial assistance.

Furthermore, $10,000 will be provided to eligible Certificate of Competency Class 1 (COC 1) holders along with the Employment and Employability Institute (e2i), SMOU, and the Singapore Organisation of Seamen (SOS) for those who can accumulate at least six months of sea experience as Chief Officers or Second Engineers this year.

A one-off increase of $50,000 will also be provided to MPA’s annual contribution of $150,000 to the seafarer missions in May 2020.