Pulau Bukom, Singapore

Port Overview

Pulau Bukom is a small island located about 5 to 6.5 km southwest of mainland Singapore, covering approximately 1.45 km². It is strategically significant as the site of Shell’s largest oil refinery in Singapore and one of the largest in Asia, playing a key role in the region’s energy and petrochemical industries. While Pulau Bukom is not a container port and does not have a published annual TEU capacity, its importance lies in refining and petrochemical production rather than container throughput. Access to the island is strictly restricted.

Facilities & Infrastructure

Pulau Bukom hosts Singapore’s largest integrated oil and chemicals terminal, featuring 13 jetties and a Single Buoy Mooring (SBM) capable of handling the world’s largest oil tankers. The site includes a 237,000 barrels-per-day refinery and a 1.1 million tonnes-per-year ethylene cracker. Key cargo facilities support crude oil imports and refined product exports, with advanced storage tanks and underwater pipelines. The terminal is equipped with modern loading arms, but does not use AGVs or container cranes, as it focuses on bulk liquid handling.

Container Terminals

Pulau Bukom in Singapore does not have container terminals; it is primarily an oil and petrochemical terminal serving Shell’s refinery operations. The marine terminal features 13 jetties for liquid bulk cargo, not containers. There are no container berths, no container handling capacity, and no container automation. Major operations are managed by Shell and associated partners, focusing exclusively on petroleum and chemical products, not containerized cargo.

Port Services

Main services at Pulau Bukom, Singapore:

• Bulk liquid cargo operations, primarily for oil and petrochemicals
• Tanker berthing and cargo transfer at dedicated jetties
• Ship services including provisions, technical supplies, and repairs
• Marine support such as pilotage, tug assistance, and anchorage
• Customs clearance and quarantine formalities

Container handling and general warehousing are not core services at Pulau Bukom, as the port is focused on liquid bulk and refinery operations.

Global Connectivity

Pulau Bukom, located southwest of Singapore, is a key oil and petrochemical port primarily serving tankers and bulk carriers. It is directly connected to major regional ports such as Pulau Sebarok and Pasir Panjang Terminal, and integrates into Singapore’s extensive maritime network. Pulau Bukom supports shipping routes to major markets in Asia, the Middle East, and beyond, leveraging Singapore’s position as a global transshipment and energy hub.

Port Statistics

Pulau Bukom, Singapore is a major oil and petrochemical port, not a container terminal. It does not handle TEU throughput and is not ranked in global container port listings. The port comprises Pulau Bukom Besar (143 ha) and Pulau Bukom Kechil (65 ha), with deep-water berths for large tankers. There are no container berths; the facility primarily serves petroleum and chemical shipping lines, supporting bunkering, storage, and distribution operations.