Port operator PSA Singapore says that even as its container throughput continues to climb, current capacity remains insufficient to fully satisfy customer expectations, according to ShippingWatch.
In an interview with the publication, Nelson Quek, Regional CEO Southeast Asia of PSA International, said that “the port industry is changing quickly,” as reported by ShippingWatch. The comments come as PSA Singapore posted strong throughput figures for the start of 2026.
Throughput Continues to Climb
According to ShippingWatch, PSA Singapore handled 11.2 million TEUs between January and March this year, marking a 6.4% increase compared to the same period last year. The figures suggest that the terminal operator is sustaining the growth trajectory it saw throughout 2025, ShippingWatch reports.
Despite this continued growth, Quek’s remarks indicate that demand from shipping lines and customers is outpacing the capacity currently available, according to the report. Further details on the specific drivers behind this capacity gap, or on PSA’s plans to address it, were not disclosed in the available excerpt of the ShippingWatch interview.
Does This Matter to You?
Container terminal capacity in Southeast Asia is a factor that can influence vessel schedules, berthing windows, and turnaround times for operators and charterers calling at Singapore, one of the world’s busiest transshipment hubs. If capacity constraints persist, as suggested by PSA’s regional CEO, this could have knock-on effects for container lines planning port rotations through the region.
For bunker suppliers and traders, port congestion or capacity pressure at major hubs like Singapore can also affect vessel dwell times and, in turn, bunkering demand patterns at anchorage or berth. However, the source material does not provide specific details on operational impacts, congestion levels, or timelines, so the direct consequences for vessel operators and fuel demand at this stage remain unclear based on the available information.
The full scope of PSA’s capacity challenges and any related infrastructure or expansion plans were not detailed in the publicly available portion of the ShippingWatch report.
Gulf Bunkering does not provide operational or security guidance. This article is for informational purposes only. Operators should consult flag state authorities, P&I clubs, and relevant advisories for decisions relating to transit planning.
Sources: ShippingWatch
