11 April 2014

Launch of the Singapore Maritime Trails and MaritimeCorner@Fort Canning
MPA and partners to intensify efforts to engage the public

The Singapore Maritime Week (SMW) 2014 culminated in the launch of the Singapore Maritime Trails and the Maritime Corner at Fort Canning Park on Friday, 11 April 2014.

SMW 2014 that took place between 6 to 11 April 2014, attracted some 20,000 industry and over 120,000 public participants to its 29 events and functions.

Mr Andrew Tan, Chief Executive, Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), said, "The Singapore Maritime Trails and Maritime Corner@Fort Canning are some of our efforts to revive interest in Singapore's rich maritime heritage and excite the young in the maritime sector. We are confident that the trails will appeal to both youths and adults alike, as well as visitors to Singapore. I hope it will inspire our schools to promote more of our local heritage and our cosmopolitan society."

MaritimeCorner@Fort Canning

MPA adopted the replica of the Fort Canning Lighthouse and Flagstaff from the National Parks Board (NParks). The area around these two maritime structures was converted into the "Maritime Corner@Fort Canning" to tell the story of Fort Canning's importance to Singapore's early maritime trade and its significance as an important navigation point for guiding ships into our port.

Mr Kenneth Er, Chief Executive Officer, said, "We are delighted to work with MPA on the Maritime Corner and welcome this new addition that enhances the visitor experience to the park. With an illustrious history that includes being home to kings and dignitaries, Fort Canning has several fascinating historical elements such as site of Singapore's first botanical and experimental garden started by Sir Stamford Raffles in 1822, and the Archaeological Dig and Exhibition Museum which showcases historical artefacts from the 14th century. The Maritime Corner complements these offerings at Fort Canning and enriches the interpretation for visitors to learn more about the history of our maritime trade."

From 11 April 2014, MPA will be re-lighting the Fort Canning Lighthouse with solar-powered incandescent light to mimic the kerosene-powered light that shone from the lighthouse from 1903 to 1958.

The Maritime Corner@Fort Canning consists of 14 exhibition panels around the Flagstaff and Lighthouse, providing details on the history of Fort Canning, the Flagstaff, the Lighthouse, as well as information on the modern day lighthouses maintained by MPA.

Singapore Maritime Trails

In the coming months, MPA will also be stepping up its outreach efforts, with a view to changing perceptions of the maritime industry and attracting more people to join the sector.

Starting from 12 April 2014, MPA will be organising the Singapore Maritime Trails to tell the story of the progress of Singapore's maritime industry through a series of tours. The first trail launched today focuses on Singapore's maritime heritage through visits to Fort Canning, Boat Quay, Waterboat House, and other historical maritime landmarks.

Complimentary guided trails will be held every Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday until 30 April 2014. Subsequently, complimentary guided tours will run every first Saturday of the month, from 9am to 12pm, until December 2014.

Interested members of the public may call +65 63255707 (Tuesdays to Sundays, 9am-5pm) or email enquiries@maritimegallery.sg to register or request for more information.

<End of Release>

About Singapore Maritime Week (6 - 11 April 2014)
Singapore Maritime Week (SMW) is the leading maritime event in Singapore. Driven by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), SMW gathers the international maritime community in Singapore for a week of conferences, dialogues, exhibitions and social events in celebration of all things maritime. The range of activities and events organised by MPA, the industry, and research and educational institutions, as well as the cosmopolitan profile of participants, reflect the vibrancy and diversity of Singapore as a major international maritime centre.

SMW has grown in size and significance since the inaugural event in 2006, and is attracting more participants and event organisers from around the world. Participants can experience something new every year, as activities are added to the line-up, and as eminent speakers share their insights and participate in dialogues on topical maritime issues. This dynamism and the good range of issues discussed during SMW are major draws for maritime decision-makers, as are the many business networking platforms. This is why Singapore Maritime Week is all about PEOPLE, IDEAS and OPPORTUNITIES for the maritime community.

For more information and the full calendar of events, please visit www.smw.sg.

About Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA)
The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) was established on 2 February 1996, with the mission to develop Singapore as a premier global hub port and international maritime centre (IMC), and to advance and safeguard Singapore's strategic maritime interests. MPA is the driving force behind Singapore's port and maritime development, taking on the roles of Port Authority, Port Regulator, Port Planner, IMC Champion, and National Maritime Representative. MPA partners the industry and other agencies to enhance safety, security and environmental protection in our port waters, facilitate port operations and growth, expand the cluster of maritime ancillary services, and promote maritime R&D and manpower development.