For Immediate Release

JTC begins construction of Jurong Rock Cavern at Jurong Island

Singapore, 8 February 2007: Tunnelling work has begun at the construction site of Singapore’s first underground rock cavern for hydrocarbon storage – the Jurong Rock Cavern (JRC). JTC Corporation (JTC), which has been appointed by the Singapore Government to undertake the project, held a groundbreaking ceremony this morning to mark the commencement of this milestone project.  The event was graced by Mr Lim Hng Kiang, Minister for Trade and Industry.

2          Located at Banyan LogisPark on Jurong Island, the multi-million dollar JRC project will be built at subterranean depths beneath the seabed of Banyan Basin.  Phase 1 of the JRC, with a storage capacity of approximately 1.47 million cubic metres, will be used to store liquid hydrocarbons such as crude oil, condensate, naphtha and gasoil.  JTC has engaged consultants to provide expert advice on the design and construction of the underground cavern.  JTC will also be inviting interested parties to submit proposals for operation of the facility.

3          Storage of petrochemical products beneath the seabed through the JRC will further enhance safety and security on Jurong Island.  In addition, the underground storage facility will free up land for higher value manufacturing operations.  The size and storage capacity of the JRC translates to a saving of approximately 60 hectares of surface land space.

4          Speaking at the groundbreaking event, Minister Lim said, “Turning Jurong Rock Cavern into reality took years of hard work, imagination and perseverance by many parties both within and outside the Government.  But it is this spirit of constant innovation and breaking new ground that will ensure that Singapore retains her ability to compete in this fast changing and dynamic competitive environment.”

5          Singapore’s chemicals industry is riding on a wave of unprecedented high growth.  Singapore is the world’s third largest refining centre and Jurong Island, where the JRC will be located, is the centrepiece for Singapore’s chemicals cluster.  Jurong Island is the proud home to more than 80 companies in the petroleum refining, petrochemicals, specialty chemicals and manufacturing companies with total gross investments exceeding S$26 billion.  In 2006 alone, more than $2.2 billion in fixed asset investments were committed. 

6          There is already strong interest from the industry to utilise the cavern despite the project being in its early stages.  It is estimated that Phase 1 may be completely taken up upon its phased completion starting from year 2010.  Propelled by the encouraging demand, JTC is already looking into Phase 2 of the JRC, which could potentially add another 1.3 million cubic metres of hydrocarbon storage space.  JTC is exploring the possibility of involving the private sector in the development of Phase 2 of the JRC. 

7          The Chairman of JTC, Mr Soo Kok Leng, added, “The development of the underground hydrocarbon storage cavern at Jurong Island is a strategic project that will further enhance the cluster concept and bring even more benefits to Jurong Island companies.”

About JTC Corporation

JTC Corporation (JTC) is the lead agency in Singapore to develop key industrial facilities and vibrant industrial space, in support of the nation's economic development. Currently, the Corporation has under its management many developments including four wafer fab parks and an advanced display park, two business parks, a chemicals hub at Jurong Island, biomedical parks in Tuas as well as logistics hubs for aerospace, chemical and general warehousing industries. 

JTC also plays a catalytic role in sourcing and introducing leading edge real estate solutions – such as specialised research facilities and underground caverns – to anchor important activities critical to the growth of the economy. It is the master developer for one-north at Buona Vista – a 200-hectare development for research & development and entrepreneurial activities. With a focus on knowledge-intensive activities in the biomedical, infocomm and media industries, one-north will be a niche environment for innovation incorporating research laboratories, offices, homes, parks and educational institutions.  JTC’s home page address is http://www.jtc.gov.sg.