SINGAPORE'S second international cruise infrastructure at Marina South will have two berths set in deep waters, a large turning basin, no height restrictions to accommodate the new generation of large cruise vessels and a handling capacity of 5,400 passengers.

These details were revealed by the Singapore Tourism Board at a media conference held during the Seatrade Cruise Shipping Convention 2008 in Miami, the US, yesterday. The enhanced cruise infrastructure will allow Singapore to capitalise on the global and Asian market growth of the cruise industry.

The new facility will complement the existing two berths at the Singapore Cruise Centre at HarbourFront and double Singapore's cruise handling capacity by 2010. Both facilities will also significantly increase Singapore's cruise passenger handling capacity and help to meet city-state's target of achieving a 1.6 million cruise passenger throughput by 2015.

Ships weighing up to 220,000 GRT (Gross Register Tonnage) and measuring up to 360m (1,181 feet) in length with a draft of up to 11.5m (37.73 feet) will be able to berth at the new cruise centre, which will be supported by a terminal building designed to ensure efficient operations and a seamless visitor experience. Commercial services will also be offered within the terminal building.

Marina South is well connected by roads and an upcoming underground train system to the other parts of Singapore.