SATS-Creuers to expand the Marina Bay Cruise Centre Singapore in 2025

Artist’s impression of the completed Ground Transport Area

Singapore, 11 April 2025 – Marina Bay Cruise Centre Singapore (MBCCS) will undergo its most extensive upgrading works since it opened in 2012, which will see a new check-in area for cruise passengers, updated amenities and a larger Ground Transport Area (GTA) with more bus parking bays and ride-hailing lots.

SATS-Creuers Cruise Services Pte Ltd (SATS-Creuers), the current terminal operator, will spearhead the nine-month upgrade, starting from the first quarter of this year. In view of the significant investment, the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) has extended SATS-Creuers’ operator agreement for MBCCS for eight years, with the option to extend for another two years. The extension, which could potentially run from May 2027 till March 2037, was formalised when both parties signed a revised management and operator agreement on 18 December 2024.

The refurbished cruise centre, with upgrades costing approximately S$40 million, will be better equipped to handle an increased passenger volume and facilitate dual ship calls associated with the trend of larger cruise ships. MBCCS’ capacity is anticipated to grow from 6,800 to 11,700 passengers following the upgrade. The enhancements will focus on improving passenger experience, with additional lounge facilities, larger seating areas for embarkation and disembarkation, and check-in stations that can accommodate two larger cruise ships concurrently.

The vacant land in front of MBCCS, which will be converted into a GTA, will significantly improve passenger access to and from the terminal. Traffic accessibility will also be enhanced, with the widening of a part of Marina Coastal Drive. The new GTA will increase the number of coach bays and more than double the number of ride-hailing lots. This, in turn, will increase the number of pick-up and drop-off points for buses and passengers, enhancing ground transportation accessibility at MBCCS.

Additionally, a portion of the current GTA will be transformed into a new check-in area, providing each cruise ship berthed at MBCCS with a dedicated check-in area for embarking passengers during dual ship calls. Upgrades will be carried out in phases to ensure minimal disruption, and the cruise centre will continue to operate on ship call days.

SATS-Creuers, a joint venture between SATS and Creuers del Port de Barcelona S.A., a wholly owned subsidiary of Global Ports Holding (GPH), began operating MBCCS on 21 May 2012, leveraging SATS’ extensive experience in airport ground services. Since then, MBCCS, which is designed to accommodate large ships and high passenger volumes, has handled more than eight million passengers from over 2,000 ship calls, strengthening Singapore’s position as a regional cruise hub and a gateway to the region.

Bob Chi, Chairman of SATS-Creuers, said: “This terminal refresh underscores our intent to make Marina Bay Cruise Centre Singapore one of the best stopovers for cruise ship passengers. The upgrade is timely as the facility gears up for more intensive operations in the future, including welcoming two mega cruise ships on dual operation. The upgrade will deliver a better visitor experience while improving efficiency for cruise ship operators. We would also like to thank STB for their trust in SATS-Creuers for this extension of our partnership to grow the cruise industry in Singapore and the region by uplifting service levels and attracting major cruise lines to homeport or call at MBCCS - one of the world’s most important destinations for cruise passengers.”

Mehmet Kutman, Chairman & CEO of Global Ports Holding (parent company of Creuers¹), said: “Singapore is a key hub for the cruise industry, and SATS-Creuers’ commitment to upgrading Marina Bay Cruise Centre Singapore highlights its dedication to delivering world-class passenger experiences. As the world’s largest cruise port operator, Global Ports Holding brings extensive expertise in sustainable cruise port operations. This upgrade will not only enhance capacity but also align with our shared vision of creating future-ready cruise ports, reinforcing Singapore’s position as a leading cruise destination in the region. Together with SATS, we combine our expertise to deliver innovative solutions and exceptional outcomes for the cruise industry.”

Ong Huey Hong, Assistant Chief Executive, Industry Development Group, Singapore Tourism Board, said: “Singapore’s cruise industry is projected to grow steadily with year-round sailings, seasonal homeporting, and a robust calendar of transit calls from a diverse range of international cruise lines. Recognising the global trend towards larger ships, STB is collaborating with SATS-Creuers Cruise Services to enhance MBCCS. These improvements will solidify Singapore’s position as a leading cruise hub, offering world-class facilities that cater to the evolving needs of cruise lines and passengers.”

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¹_{Creuers del Port de Barcelona S.A. is the leading international cruise operator in Europe with established expertise and contacts with key cruise lines, with it playing a significant role in increasing Barcelona’s cruise passenger traffic. Global Ports Holding (GPH), the world’s largest cruise port operator, owns Creuers and operates a total of 32 ports in 19 countries.}

About SATS-Creuers

SATS-Creuers Cruise Services (SCCS) is the terminal operator of Marina Bay Cruise Centre Singapore. SCCS is a 60:40 joint venture between SATS, the leading provider of gateway services and food solutions in Singapore, and Creuers del Port de Barcelona (Creuers), terminal operator of Europe’s leading cruise home port and a wholly owned subsidiary of Global Ports Holding (GPH), the world’s largest cruise port operator. SCCS leverages the experience and expertise of both SATS and Creuers to offer innovative, quality services to deliver a seamless travel experience to cruise lines and passengers.

About Singapore Tourism Board

The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) is the lead development agency for tourism, one of Singapore’s key economic sectors. Together with industry partners and the community, we shape a dynamic Singapore tourism landscape. We bring the Passion Made Possible brand to life by differentiating Singapore as a vibrant destination that inspires people to share and deepen their passions.

Editor’s note:
Artist impressions of the new check-in and ground transport area available in this link.