PSA, SATS sign MOU to enhance sea-air connectivity in Singapore

In an effort to encourage closer cooperation between air and ocean modes, port operator PSA International Pte Ltd. and ground handler SATS Ltd. signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) today to provide cargo shippers and logistics service providers with better connectivity in the bustling hub of Singapore.

The MOU was facilitated by the government agency Enterprise Singapore to combine sea and air connectivity services in the Southeast Asian city-state, and has a special emphasis on improving supply chain efficiency, thus reducing transport costs of small- and medium-sized enterprises. PSA and SATS said they will collaborate on cross-industry initiatives, focusing on the multimodal transport of perishables, electronics and e-commerce goods, via “yard-to-port” data linkages, network extensions and enhanced track-and-trace capabilities.

The partnership will also facilitate data transparency and ease of shipments within different free-trade zones. For instance, SATS, which is the first ground handler to earn European Union (EU) approval to offer meat transshipments between New Zealand and the European Union, could potentially extend these services to new trade routes across both companies’ networks.

SATS and PSA also said the MOU will integrate their systems to ensure proper regulatory compliance and data analytics capabilities. SATS’ cargo terminal handling and management system, COSYS+, will be linked with supply chain platform, CALISTA, developed by PSA’s subsidiary GeTS Asia Pte Ltd.

“Shippers are increasingly seeking innovative multimodal solutions for their cargo to reach their preferred markets competitively,” said Tan Chong Meng, Group CEO of PSA International. “This partnership with SATS will enhance Singapore’s ability to offer unique air-sea multimodal connectivity to fulfill these demands.”

PSA’s flagship operations are located in Singapore and Antwerp, and its portfolio includes a network of more than 50 coastal, rail and inland terminals in 17 countries. SATS provides gateway services, including airfreight ground handling, in more than 60 locations and 13 countries in Asia and the Middle East.