Construction has started on phase 1 of Singapore’s massive Tuas Terminal which will replace all the container port facilities close to the city centre over the long term.

Located on land being reclaimed in the far west of the island phase 1 of Tuas Terminal will have a capacity of 20m teu a year. Once fully completed the terminal will have a capacity of 65m teu annually.

The start of construction was marked on Friday by Singapore’ Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Minister for Transport Khaw Boon Wan with the launching the first caisson. Some 222 caissons each 28 m tall will form the permanent wharf structure.

“The Tuas Terminal is a centrepiece of Singapore’s Next Generation Port vision and demonstrates our strong commitment to strengthening and sustaining our leadership position as a global hub port and International Maritime Centre,” said Andrew Tan, chief executive of the Maritime & Port Authority of Singapore (MPA).

The terminal will developed a time span of 30 years with phase 1 reclamation works expected to be completed in the early 2020’s.