Singapore Cruise Centre Opens New HarbourFront Terminal
The waiting area is about fifty percent larger than its predecessor, and the VIP lounge can accommodate up to seventy passengers.
Singapore Cruise Centre (SCC) has opened its new HarbourFront terminal after a 24-month programme of development and testing. The purpose-built facility can accommodate up to 18,000 departing passengers a day during peak periods, with a shared departure-control system for ferry and cruise operations.
More than 720,000 ferry and cruise passengers have passed through the terminal since full operations began on July 15, 2026. HarbourFront handles over 100 cruise calls annually, covering homeport operations, international luxury cruises and expedition sailings.
“By connecting systems that previously operated separately, we can make the journey simpler for passengers while giving our teams better visibility across operations,” said Jacqueline Tan, chief executive officer of Singapore Cruise Centre.
Passenger processing and transfers
SCC developed the interoperable passenger departure-control system with technology partner Sqiva. It is built around SCC’s Cruise and Ferry Operating System (CFOS) and connects with SITA’s FAST self-service solution, bringing boarding operations onto a common platform through which operators can monitor passengers’ progress.
The cloud-based CFOS supports mobile access and self-service kiosks. Its dedicated operator portal also provides invoice downloads and ad hoc reporting.
Airport-style check-in and automated boarding gates are among the terminal’s passenger facilities. The waiting area is approximately 50% larger than its predecessor, and a VIP lounge can accommodate up to 70 passengers.
For cruise passengers, a dedicated kerbside baggage-drop facility allows luggage to be checked in when they arrive at the terminal. Shore-excursion transfers are served by 12 coach bays. Revised space planning is intended to improve the movement of passengers and baggage.
Linking Singapore to the Riau Islands
The opening completes SCC’s move to the new facility. HarbourFront and the upgraded Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal, which was unveiled in March 2025, form part of SCC’s passenger-terminal network linking Singapore with the Riau Islands and southern Johor.
Ferry destinations served from HarbourFront include Harbor Bay, Bengkong (Gold Coast), Batam Center, Nirup Island, Sekupang and Tanjung Balai (Karimun).
“Singapore’s ferry and cruise networks connect people across the region, whether for business opportunities or a long-awaited holiday,” said Murali Pillai, senior minister of state at Singapore’s Ministry of Law and Ministry of Transport.
SCC is also working with MPA to trial the Maritime Digital Twin at HarbourFront, using a platform that combines live and historical port data with simulation and modelling tools. The trial is exploring whether improved situational awareness can help staff plan berthing and terminal resources earlier and improve operational efficiency.
See cruises departing Singapore on Cruise Lookup.
