The Maritime Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) has announced it will make available a further S$3.5 million ($2.6 million) for seafarers and other areas of the industry hurt by the COVID-19 pandemic.
In a statement, the MPA said it will top up the MaritimeSG Together Package to more than S$36 million ($26.78 million) and that the money is part of Singapore’s wider strategy to recover from the effects of the pandemic.
The Package which was first introduced in May 2020 and extended in January 2021, provides support for companies, individuals and seafarers during the pandemic. MPA will extend relevant measures under the Package for another six months from 1 July 2021.
The measures will include an extension of credit terms for maritime companies, greater support for Singaporean seafarers, assistant for offshore vessel operators and manpower schemes for maritime companies and individuals.
The MPA said more than 500 Singaporean seafarers continue to face uncertainties in securing shipboard employment as border control measures and crew change restrictions are not being relaxed.
Quah Ley Hoon, Chief Executive of MPA, said, “As COVID-19 is set to become endemic, Maritime Singapore must continue to build its safe management and manpower capabilities to remain resilient. MPA remains committed to supporting maritime companies, individuals and Singaporean seafarers through a further extension of our relief measures.”
