The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) will be giving a 50% port dues concession to passenger vessels, to provide relief to vessel owners and operators who have seen a drop in passenger volumes due to the COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease 2019) outbreak.

MPA said the new concession, to be given from 1 March 2020 to 31 August 2020, will be on top of all existing port dues concessions.  

"All cruise vessels and regional ferries with a port stay of not more than five days, and passenger-carrying harbour craft will qualify for the new concession," MPA said in its statement.

The concession is expected to benefit more than 600 cruise vessels, regional ferries and passenger-carrying harbour craft, bringing total savings of over $1million in the six-month period.

"The new port dues concession for passenger vessels is part of the COVID-19 relief package announced today by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Heng Swee Keat," it added.