Kok Tong Transport & Engineering Works won the bid for $3.45m.

JTC has awarded the tender for the Jalan Papan (Plot 5) industrial site to Kok Tong Transport & Engineering Works.

 The tender, which was launched on 30 July and closed on 24 September, received two bids. 

Kok Tong Transport & Engineering Works won the bid for $3.45m. The other bid was made by South East Battery Service for $3.08m.

Zones “Business 2”, the site spans 5,641 sqm with a gross plot ratio of 1.4. The site has a tenure of 20 years.

https://sbr.com.sg/transport-logistics/news/kok-tong-transport-engineering-works-wins-bid-jalan-papan-plot-5-site

It will also adjust Electronic Road Pricing charges as needed.

The Land Transport Authority (LTA) will inject up to 20,000 additional Certificates of Entitlement (COEs) across various vehicle categories starting from February 2025 over the next few years. 

The move aims to address demand pressures within Singapore’s COE system. In line with this measure, the LTA will monitor traffic conditions and adjust Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) charges as needed.

Additionally, the authority is eyeing further vehicle population adjustments as new data and technological tools become available, including the potential implementation of distance-based charging.

This approach mirrors the government’s action between 1997 and 2003, when 10,500 COEs were added to the allowable vehicle population growth rate following the introduction of the ERP system.

https://sbr.com.sg/transport-logistics/news/lta-inject-20000-new-coes-starting-february-2025

It aims to integrate driverless vehicles into its logistics operations.

FairPrice Group (FPG) has begun trials for autonomous vehicles on public roads, following approval from the Land Transport Authority (LTA).

The initiative, in partnership with Zelos Technology, aims to integrate driverless vehicles into FPG’s logistics operations.

The trials will utilise the Zelos Z10 autonomous vehicles, which can carry up to 1.5 tonnes of cargo over 210 kilometers and offer 10 cubic meters of cargo space. These vehicles will transport palletised goods between FPG’s distribution centers in Benoi and Joo Koon.

“By integrating autonomous vehicles into our supply chain operations, we aim to improve our productivity, reduce our carbon footprint, and ultimately make every day a little better for our customers, our people, and the planet,” said Vipul Chawla, group CEO of FairPrice Group.

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The first phase, starting on 18 October 18, involves daily test drives with a safety vehicle. The second phase will allow unsupervised test runs once the vehicle meets the LTA’s safety standards.

Once the trials are completed and approved, the Zelos Z10s will operate without human supervision. The electric vehicles are expected to lower FPG’s carbon emissions and free up staff for more complex tasks.

FPG is also expanding its electric vehicle fleet, aiming for over 30 EVs by the end of 2024, as part of its commitment to sustainable supply chain practices.

https://sbr.com.sg/retail/news/fairprice-group-trials-autonomous-vehicles-cargo-transportation-in-singapore

Demand has shifted towards spaces capable of storing dangerous goods.

The industrial and logistics sector in Singapore remains healthy despite softer demand as landlords become more accommodating to secure tenants, according to CBRE’s Asia Pacific Industrial & Logistics Trends Q3 2024 report.

Larger third-party logistics firms are consolidating operations into flagship sites without expanding their overall footprint, leading to higher availability of smaller spaces in satellite locations.

Last year, planning for logistics facilities exceeding 100,000 sq ft required two years of lead time, but immediate requirements can now be met through active sourcing. CBRE expects this trend to continue until the end of 2025, offering cost-conscious occupiers new opportunities.

In recent quarters, demand has shifted towards spaces with technical specifications such as those capable of storing dangerous goods like petrochemicals. 

There has also been increasing interest from food occupiers seeking air-conditioned dry cargo spaces, along with a rising need for cold storage facilities. Meanwhile, e-commerce platforms are consolidating and seeking cheaper space.

CBRE also noted the growing interest in Johor Bahru, where companies are attracted by the availability of special economic and free trade zones. Its proximity to Singapore and lower costs make it a preferred location for businesses, with the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone agreement expected to be finalised by year-end.

Graeme Bolin, executive director of Industrial & Logistics Services at CBRE Singapore, expects landlords to offer more rent-free periods or fit-out incentives to attract tenants. He advised occupiers to take advantage of the current market conditions to secure attractive space, as occupancy rates and rents are likely to rebound to end-2023 levels within the next 12 to 15 months.

https://sbr.com.sg/commercial-property/news/industrial-landlords-offer-flexibility-amidst-softer-demand