Singapore Builds World’s Largest Automated Port

Why this is here: The Tuas Port will eventually feature 66 piers stretching 26 kilometers, capable of accommodating the world’s largest container ships.

Singapore’s government is building the Tuas Port to address growing capacity limits at its current facility and potentially surpass Shanghai as the world’s busiest port. The city-state handled over 41 million containers in 2024, nearing its maximum, and aims for Tuas to eventually manage 65 million TEUs annually. Construction began in 2022 and, when complete sometime in the 2040s, the port will span 1,337 hectares with 66 piers along 26 kilometers of coastline.

PSA International, Singapore’s port operator, is leading the roughly $14 billion project with a strong focus on automation. Over 200 automated guided vehicles currently operate within the port, using RFID technology to navigate and prevent collisions. A dedicated 5G network will support these systems, alongside AI-powered traffic management and remote operation through the Tuas Control Center.

Phase 1 of Tuas currently has twelve operational piers, with plans to add six more by 2027. While the project aims for net-zero emissions by 2050 and incorporates sea-level rise adaptation measures, the complete transfer from existing terminals to Tuas is still underway and scheduled for 2027, with some facilities continuing into the 2040s.