When Will it End ?

The severe economic depression has gone on long enough. Many who lost their jobs may or may not have found alternative employment, while the lucky ones are clinging to theirs, albeit unsure of the future.

According to a survey, 61 per cent of Singaporean respondents still go to work when they are sick because they are scared of falling behind on their work; the highest rates of 6,000 polled across 20 countries including the United States and Japan.
52 per cent of Singaporeans fear that too many sick days could go against them, while 50 per cent did not want to be perceived by superiors and peers as not working, the highest rates among those surveyed.

Ships anchored in Singapore waters

Things are so bad that many ships flocked to Singapore to anchor because it has few storms. Many vessels were staying just outside the port’s limits, where they do not have to pay port fees.

Singapore has complained to the countries of registry about 10 to 15 ships that have anchored in sea lanes in violation of international rules in the last two weeks.
A freighter close to Singapore was hit last December by a chemical tanker that could not make a tight enough turn in a crowded anchorage; neither vessel was seriously damaged.

Port Cranes

April containers volumn fell to 2.09 million TEUs, (twenty foot equivalent unit) down from 2.19 million TEUs in March and 2.53 million TEUs in April 2008.

Jurong Port saw steady volumes handled at 56,000 TEUs in April. Year-on-year, however, throughput plunged by 32.5% from 83,000 TEUs handled in April 2008.

Ships are not the only casualty. Aircrafts too are not spared. Idle planes are parked at USA desert storage yards. How long is anyone's guess.

Planes Storage, California