As part of Singapore’s recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) said it will top up the MaritimeSG Together Package by S$3.5 million (US$2.59 million) to continue supporting the hardest hit sectors in the maritime industry.

In a statement, MPA said this brings the cumulative amount of support to more than S$36 million (US$26.65 million).

It said a 50% office rental rebate and new recovery grant for regional ferry service operators (RFOs) and regional ferry terminal operator will also be introduced under the Package from July 1 to December 31, 2021.

The Government will also be subsidising mandatory Antigen Rapid Tests (ART) for high-risk maritime workers until September 30, 2021. 

MPA noted that the package was first introduced in May 2020 and extended in January 2021 — providing support for companies, individuals and seafarers during the pandemic.

MPA said it will extend relevant measures under the Package for another six months from July 1, although excluding support for passenger-carrying vessels and passenger terminal operators; support for offshore vessel operators; among others.

MPA noted that under Singapore's Sea-Air Vaccination Exercise (SAVE), more than 63,800 workers in the maritime sector have received at least one dose of vaccine — with more than 52,900 fully vaccinated, including more than 19,200, or 99% of frontline maritime workers who are exposed to higher risks.

More than 4,300 foreign seafarers who are working in the Singapore port waters have also received at least one dose of vaccine.

Support for local seafarers 

MPA, together with the Singapore Maritime Officers’ Union and the Singapore Organisation of Seamen, will extend the Seafarers Relief Package for eligible Singaporean seafarers who are unable to secure shipboard employment between January 1 and December 31, 2021. They can apply to receive up to S$700 per month in financial assistance, for a maximum of six months. 

"As COVID-19 is set to become endemic ... MPA remains committed to supporting maritime companies, individuals and Singaporean seafarers through a further extension of our relief measures," said Quah Ley Hoon, chief executive of MPA.