Over 720,000 travellers passed through the new Singapore Cruise Centre since July 15

SINGAPORE – The new Singapore Cruise Centre (HarbourFront) has processed more than 720,000 travellers since full operations began on July 15, leveraging automated systems to handle up to 18,000 departing travellers a day during peak periods.

A new system consolidates real-time data from ferry and cruise operators every step of the way – from check-in to boarding. This enables the operators and the Singapore Cruise Centre (SCC) to enhance coordination and better manage the flow of travellers.

The standalone terminal, which replaces the former terminal at HarbourFront Centre, was designed to make the passenger experience “more intuitive”, said SCC chairman Loh Lik Peng.

Speaking at the terminal’s official opening on Sept 22, he highlighted various amenities including passport-less immigration lanes, self-service check-in kiosks and baggage drop-off points.

All the five ferry operators – Batam Fast Ferry, Horizon Fast Ferry, Majestic Fast Ferry, Sindo Ferry and Indo Falcon Shipping and Travel – have their counters located on the ground floor of the building.

Previously, they were spread across two floors at the old terminal.

Senior Minister of State for Transport Murali Pillai, who was guest-of-honour at the opening, said: “As travel patterns evolve, technology and innovation will be increasingly important in making these experiences smoother and more effortless.

“The upgraded HarbourFront terminal reflects this commitment – combining automation and thoughtful uses of space to improve the passenger experience.”

Describing the terminal as “extremely comfortable”, Batam resident Hasim, who goes by one name, said it was a huge upgrade over the old facility.

Besides how clean and bright it looked, the 45-year-old maritime industry worker said the process of checking in and getting on board was quicker and more efficient.

However, he had only one complaint – the new building is further from the MRT, even though it is connected to HarbourFront station.

“It used to be a much shorter walk, and you didn’t have to go outdoors,” he said in Bahasa Indonesia.

Roland Lim, 67, likes that there are snacks for sale before departure, as well as the convenience of having all the ferry operator counters on the ground floor.

The retiree, who was headed to Batam to play golf, said: “It’s way easier than back then. And if you’re comfortable doing self-service, there’s that option too, so I appreciate how accessible things are.”

Aqil Hamzah is a transport journalist at The Straits Times. He is also interested in issues related to crime and technology.