2. Speeches
Speech by Minister of State for Trade and Industry Gan Siow Huang at the Opening Ceremony of Katoen Natie Jurong Logistics Terminal 5 (JLT5)
31 March 2026
Ambassador of Belgium to Singapore,
Her Excellency Ms. Séverine de Potter
Chief Executive Officer of Katoen Natie Singapore,
Mr. Koen Cardon
Distinguished guests,
Katoen Natie-Singapore partnership
1. For nearly three decades, Katoen Natie has been a valued partner in Singapore’s growth. Since establishing presence here in 1997, you have grown alongside our Energy and Chemicals ecosystem. Singapore now serves as your key logistics hub, and in turn, you are providing integrated, value-added supply chain solutions that support our manufacturers on Jurong Island.
2. Today marks another important milestone in the Katoen Natie-Singapore partnership with the opening of JLT5.
a. Spanning 37,000 square metres, JLT5 is a next-generation logistics facility designed to meet the needs of the Energy and Chemicals sector and strengthen the Jurong Island ecosystem.
3. When we think of the Energy and Chemicals industry, we often think of refineries, crackers, and production plants — the large-scale facilities that transform raw materials into essential products here on Jurong Island.
4. But behind every successful plant is something less visible, yet equally important — a strong, efficient, and reliable logistics system.
It ensures materials are handled safely, stored securely, and delivered efficiently to customers around the world. Recent global events, including the ongoing Middle East conflict, underscore the need for resilient and diversified supply chains, and highlight why logistics facilities like JLT5 play a crucial role in keeping supply chains moving smoothly.
Singapore is the ideal springboard for chemical companies seeking to grow in Asia
5. As Asia’s industrial and manufacturing base continues to expand, demand for high-quality and reliable logistics solutions continues to grow. Companies need a base that is efficient, resilient, and strategically positioned for regional growth.
6. Singapore offers several key advantages:
a. First, we are an open and connected economy, with an extensive network of Free Trade Agreements that provide access to markets representing over 85% of global GDP, facilitating efficient trade flows for energy and chemicals products.
b. Second, we have world-class infrastructure. From port facilities to digital connectivity, Singapore ensures the seamless handling, storage, and delivery of materials and finished goods.
c. Third, our pro-business and trusted regulatory framework gives companies the confidence to operate, adapt, and grow.
7. Last year, we celebrated Jurong Island’s 25th anniversary and unveiled a refreshed direction - to develop Jurong Island into a premier hub for specialty chemicals and sustainable materials. Jurong Island is transforming.
8. This ambition is already gaining strong traction. Leading global specialty chemicals players such as Arkema, Cariflex, Evonik, and Kuraray have committed significant investments here in recent years, as they see Singapore as the ideal springboard for their growth in Asia.
Katoen Natie’s investment is therefore timely and necessary to support the growing needs of both new and existing chemicals investments on Jurong Island.
Transforming Industrial Logistics Through Automation and AI, While Developing Future-Ready Talent
9. The JLT5 will provide the infrastructure backbone for Jurong Island to operate as an integrated, digitally-enabled industrial ecosystem, enhancing productivity through automation and digitalisation.
a. The facility will integrate advanced systems, such as a fully automated 4-way shuttle Automated Storage and Retrieval System, to improve operational efficiency and safety.
b. It will also deploy AI-enabled solutions to optimise product flows and enable faster and more informed decision-making across complex supply chains.
10. It is equally important that our workers are trained in the relevant skillsets to support our national digitalisation and AI-led transformation efforts. I am pleased to hear that as part of this transformation, Katoen Natie is committed to creating new roles and opportunities for our workforce.
a. When fully ramped up, the facility will create new jobs for Singaporeans in areas such as automation systems management, digital operations, data analytics and advanced maintenance.
b. Existing roles will also be redesigned, with workers moving from manual tasks to higher-value functions such as managing, maintaining and optimising automated and AI-driven operations.
Transitioning to Sustainable, Low-Carbon Logistics
11. Furthermore, the JLT5 facility will feature a large-scale rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) system. Katoen Natie has been progressively expanding its solar deployment in Singapore, starting with its first rooftop installation in 2014. It was also the first company on Jurong Island to export excess solar-generated electricity to the grid. Today, all of Katoen Natie Singapore’s logistics terminals are fully solar-powered, generating an average of just over 10 GWh of renewable energy annually.
That’s enough to power more than 2,400 3-room HDB flats!
12. Singapore remains committed to our drive towards net zero. While we continue to explore low-carbon solutions, solar energy remains our most viable renewable source and we have increased our solar deployment target to 3 gigawatt-peak (GWp) by 2030.
13. I would like to encourage more companies to follow in the steps of Katoen Natie to increase solar deployment in support of our national sustainability and climate target.
Conclusion
14. In closing, I would like to thank Katoen Natie for your continued confidence in Singapore. The opening of JLT5 marks an important step in the company’s regional operations, and Singapore is proud to be part of this journey.
15. Thank you!