Page 32 - SG Nautilus Issue 47.indb

ISSUE 47 PAGE 30

COMPANY SPOTLIGHT

keeping our

waterways clear

Chua Kim Beng learns how Tian San Shipping is using digital technology to
help keep Singapore waters and the vessels at its port spick and span

Keeping Singapore’s waterways fl otsam-free and over the years, in tandem with the economic growth of
clearing garbage from all vessels that call at the Asia and Southeast Asia. The lack of infrastructure in
Port of Singapore are not easy tasks — more than some parts of the region has resulted in a rise of waste
130,000 ships visit the Port annually. Still, the in rivers and oceans. “During the monsoon seasons,
Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore’s appointed we observe an increase in the volume of fl otsam,”
vendor, Tian San Shipping (TSS), is carrying out its he describes. “It pollutes the ocean, poses a serious
duty with care and dedication. navigation hazard, and needs to be cleared to ensure
safety.” As for garbage clearance from vessels, that
FROM NICHE TO MAINSTREAM business has grown alongside Singapore’s reputation
TSS has been an integral part of Singapore’s shipping as a major shipping hub. But it is not just the sheer
scene for close to four decades, ferrying passengers, number of vessels that has to be addressed. “We
vehicles and equipment. About 20 years ago, it started have seen a corresponding increase in the volume of
an Environmental Services division to clear fl otsam, garbage collected from these vessels,” he shares.
respond to oil spills, and collect garbage from ships.
“Though Environmental Services started out as a UPGRADING EQUIPMENT AND STAFF
niche business, this has evolved over time, and Mr Ko reveals that TSS has, over the years, invested in
marine environment protection is so important equipment and personnel training. “We take a holistic

now, in particular for issues such as marine approach to vessel design,” he affirms. “We aim to
plastic pollution,” says Mr Mark Ko, Executive improve functionality, reduce our carbon footprint,
Director of TSS [see sidebar]. and, at the same time, collect more garbage and

Mr Ko remarks that TSS has expanded its flotsam from the environment.”
Mr Mark Ko abilities in flotsam clearing and garbage collecting TSS is open to collaborating with Institutes of