New HarbourFront terminal introduces a new interoperable ferry and cruise passenger departure control system, alongside faster passenger processing and integrated baggage handling

SINGAPORE, 22 September 2026 – Singapore Cruise Centre (SCC) today officially opened the new Singapore Cruise Centre (HarbourFront) terminal, following a 24-month development and testing period. The opening marks the completion of SCC’s transition to a purpose-built facility designed to support the next phase of regional ferry and cruise travel.

The opening was graced by Guest of Honour Mr Murali Pillai, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Law and Ministry of Transport.

Since commencing full operations on 15 July 2026, the terminal has handled more than 720,000 ferry and cruise passengers. Designed to meet evolving traveller needs, the new terminal brings together technology, automation, and improved space planning to streamline passenger and baggage processing, while strengthening SCC’s capabilities to support future growth in regional travel.

Technology connecting the passenger journey

A key feature of the new terminal is a new interoperable ferry and cruise passenger departure control system, developed by SCC in partnership with Sqiva, a travel technology company specialising in passenger transport software.

Built around SCC’s Cruise and Ferry Operating System (CFOS), the boarding system brings ferry and cruise operations onto a common platform and integrates with SITA’s FAST self-service solution, an aviation passenger-processing system supporting functions such as check-in, bag drop and boarding. This enables passenger information to flow across key stages of the journey, from check-in through to boarding. By integrating ferry and cruise operations, CFOS gives SCC and its operators greater visibility across the passenger journey, enabling more coordinated management of check-in, baggage processing and boarding across both services.

CFOS is also integrated with the terminal’s Baggage Handling System (BHS), which supports the screening and conveyance of checked baggage between the terminal and pier. Real-time tracking and image capture throughout the handling process allow operations teams to monitor baggage movements more closely and respond more quickly when intervention is required.

SCC has also collaborated with MPA to trial the Maritime Digital Twin (MDT) at this terminal. By providing SCC with a more integrated view of vessel movements and incoming ferries, the trial will explore how better situational awareness can support earlier planning of berthing and terminal resources and improve operational efficiency.

Senior Minister of State Murali Pillai said, “Singapore’s ferry and cruise networks connect people across the region, whether for business opportunities or a long-awaited holiday. 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, while tapping on new digital capabilities, including the Maritime Digital Twin, to support a safer and more efficient journey.”

Faster, simpler journeys for passengers

Beyond connecting systems across the passenger journey, the new terminal has been designed to simplify how passengers move through the facility, with a more streamlined layout and expanded self-service options.

For ferry passengers, all operators are now located within the main terminal concourse on a single level, compared with two floors at the former terminal. Eligible passengers who have purchased their tickets online can use self-service facilities to validate their passports, check in, and obtain their boarding passes and baggage tags in under a minute, before depositing checked baggage through self-service bag-drop facilities within a similar timeframe.

Self-service baggage-drop facilities at the new Singapore Cruise Centre (HarbourFront) terminal allow eligible ferry passengers to check in their baggage in about one minute, alongside staffed counters for passengers who require assistance.

Baggage handling has also been enhanced, with self-service and assisted counters providing passengers with greater flexibility while retaining support for those who require assistance. On arrival, checked baggage is now screened before reaching the carousel, allowing passengers to collect their bags and proceed directly towards the exit without a separate X-ray screening step.

These enhancements have supported smoother passenger flows during peak periods¹. It has processed 18,000 departing passengers on a single day since the commencement of operations from July 2026. This has helped to reduce processing time and manage passenger throughput during a high-volume travel period.

For cruise passengers, dedicated kerbside baggage drop facilities allow baggage to be checked in upon arrival, while 12 coach bays facilitate shore excursion transfers. A dedicated VIP lounge provides an additional waiting area for cruise passengers during vessel calls.

Across both ferry and cruise operations, passenger clearance is further supported by the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority’s Automated Border Clearance System, which enables passport-less immigration clearance using facial biometrics.

Ms Jacqueline Tan, Chief Executive Officer of Singapore Cruise Centre, said, “This new terminal is more than a move to a new building. It gives us the opportunity to rethink how ferry and cruise journeys are managed from end to end. By connecting systems that previously operated separately, we can make the journey simpler for passengers while giving our teams better visibility across operations. More importantly, the terminal gives us a platform that we can continue building on as regional travel evolves.”

Connecting Singapore with the region

Beyond enhancing the passenger experience, the new HarbourFront terminal strengthens SCC’s role in supporting Singapore’s sea connectivity with neighbouring destinations. Together with the upgraded Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal, unveiled in March 2025, HarbourFront forms part of SCC’s network of passenger gateways connecting Singapore with the Riau Islands and southern Johor.

HarbourFront serves destinations including Batam Centre, Harbour Bay, Sekupang, Tanjung Balai (Karimun), Bengkong (Gold Coast) and Nirup Island, supporting leisure, business, and cross-border travel across the region. In recent years, the introduction of new ferry services to Nirup Island and Bengkong (Gold Coast) has broadened the range of short-haul travel options from Singapore, with some destinations around 45 minutes away by ferry.

HarbourFront’s role as a regional sea gateway also extends to cruise travel, with the terminal handling more than 100 cruise calls annually across homeported services, international luxury cruises, and expedition sailings. Together, its ferry and cruise operations connect Singapore with nearby destinations and wider regional itineraries.

¹ Based on peak travel operations on 8 August 2026, when SCC’s six self-service boarding gates processed 18,000 passengers in a single day.

Building towards more connected air and sea journeys

Building on the capabilities introduced at the new terminal, SCC will continue to advance automation and system integration across the passenger journey.

Enhancements include the deployment of autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) to support the handling of oversized and irregularly shaped baggage, such as golf bags and surfboards.

Over time, greater integration of passenger and baggage systems could support more seamless fly-cruise and fly-ferry journeys through Singapore, reducing repeated processing and baggage handling for travellers transferring between air and sea transport, including between Changi Airport and HarbourFront.

Ms Tan added: “The new terminal provides a strong foundation for SCC to advance the passenger journey through greater automation and connectivity. We will continue working with government and industry partners to strengthen connections across transport modes and destinations, supporting Singapore’s position as a gateway for regional and international travel.”

High-resolution images are available here.

For more information on Singapore Cruise Centre and its services, visit singaporecruise.com.sg.

About Singapore Cruise Centre Private Limited

Singapore Cruise Centre manages and operates Singapore Cruise Centre (HarbourFront), Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal and Pasir Panjang Ferry Terminal. With over 30 years of experience since its establishment in 1991, Singapore Cruise Centre brings deep operational expertise across ferry and cruise operations, supported by an intimate understanding of Singapore’s regional maritime travel landscape.

Singapore Cruise Centre plays a key role in supporting regional connectivity and maritime tourism while continuously enhancing its infrastructure and services to meet evolving traveller needs and future travel demand.