Automated check-in part of Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal revamp
Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal will undergo a $20 million upgrade to modernise its facilities and increase its passenger capacity, through automation as well as better use of space.
Built in 1995, the terminal will undergo upgrading in stages from January to December, with no changes to ferry services and schedules, said operator Singapore Cruise Centre (SCC) in a statement on Feb 2.
The terminal last underwent a major renovation in 2007.
SCC chief executive Jacqueline Tan noted that the revamp will expand the terminal’s capacity by 20 per cent to more than three million passengers, from the present 2.7 million.
The new features, which will be ready in January 2025, will include the installation of 20 self-service check-in kiosks, four bag-drop machines, and more automated immigration clearance gates similar to the ones at Changi Airport, said SCC.
These will speed up departure procedures for passengers, added the operator.
At present, passengers at the terminal have to buy tickets or exchange their online tickets for physical ones at ferry operator counters, which are manned by workers.
The terminal now has three manual bag-drop counters, as well as a mix of automated immigration clearance lanes and manned immigration counters.
With the revamp, passengers will be able to check in by themselves at the self-service kiosks, drop their bags off at the machines and clear immigration via an automated lane. However, manual options will still be available for passengers who prefer to speak directly with staff.
In addition, the redesign of the departure hall will increase its size and capacity by 69 per cent, allowing it to hold about 200 more passengers.
The terminal will also be home to two lounges for business-class passengers, up from the single lounge it now has.
Through optimising the available space, an unoccupied field between the arrival and departure halls will be converted into an outdoor play area for families with young children to gather, added SCC.
Separately, there will be revamped ferry operator counters, where passengers can buy or collect tickets, and more food-and-beverage outlets near the terminal’s entrance.
Throughout the terminal, the toilets will also be revamped, with interim container toilets made available to passengers from March to October when works are under way.
SCC said it has plans to automate the terminal’s ferry berths, though details are not available yet.
Get The New Paper on your phone with the free TNP app. Download from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store now
