CHANGING ROLE OF SINGAPORE IN REGIONAL COASTAL LINER SHIPPING

Abstract

Transport is an indispensable function of life, extending its every sinew into every aspect of human social and economic activities. As a subject, transport is also an immensely varied, exciting and controversial area of study. While economists, historians, technologists, sociologists, political scientist have tried variously to put their finger on the significance of transport; for the geographer, the obvious importance of transportation lies in its being one of the principal factors affecting the distribution of social and economic activity (White, 1977). Thus, the interest among geographers has been either in transportation per se as a significant human activity or indirectly through its influence upon the spatial variation of other activities. This interest is however not confined to the approach of relating communication to the land surface but is extended to an examination of historical, economic, social, political and technological influences on the layout of communication networks. This wide geographical perspective represents an attempt towards a 'geography of relevance' which is currently the prevailing concern airing many geographers. The author is also concerned here with this 'new direction' and will not only discuss the following topic of 'Changing Role of Singapore in Regional Coastal Liner Shipping' with reference to its morphology (form) but also relate it to nonspecial factors as governmental policies, socioeconomic conditions and the influence of time and history. It is hoped that a more complete and relevant overview of the subject may thus be gained, lending greater understanding to the study of transport and maritime geography in the region.