The Eastern
Navigation Story
Eastern Navigation was founded by Mr. Tan Keng Hong, whose belief that “your word is your bond” shaped the company’s core values of integrity, diligence, and credibility. His enduring legacy continues to guide our journey and define who we are today.
A Legacy Forged in Hardship
Mr. Tan Keng Hong founded Eastern Navigation in 1948, marking the company’s beginnings with tongkangs (wooden lighters) serving Singapore’s early port activities.
1st Generation
Mr. Tan Keng Hong
Started the business with tongkangs,
providing lighterage services.
2nd Generation
Mr. Tan Ser Giam, Mr. Tan Ee
Beng, Mr. Tan Ser Thong
Transitioned and expanded into offshore construction services, shipyard services and timber transportation.
3rd Generation
Current Transition
Advancing into offshore fleet expansion, subsea services, and smart shipyard development.
The Entrepreneurial Spirit
From Trading to Shipping
Mr. Tan Keng Hong’s entrepreneurial path began with textile trading, but it was his venture into lighterage services that laid the foundation for Eastern Navigation. At the time, many Southeast Asian ports were underdeveloped, and Singapore relied on lighters (barges) to move cargo across the region.
Founding Eastern Lighterage Co (1948)
In 1948, Mr. Tan partnered with Mr. Teh Siong Teck to establish Eastern Lighterage Co, serving major shipping clients such as KPM, Boustead, and McAlister.
The name “Eastern” symbolised growth, heritage, and prosperity, reflected in its bold red branding. Mr. Tan focused on ship design and operations, while Mr. Teh managed marketing and administration—an enduring partnership built on trust.
Expanding the Fleet
As the company grew, Eastern Navigation acquired its first steel pontoons—Eastern Sun and Eastern Light—and two second-hand tugs. The business expanded into construction material transport between Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore.
Navigating Hardships
The Indonesian Confrontation in the 1960s disrupted cross-border activities, pushing the business to the brink. Undeterred, Mr. Tan started a mining venture in Batu Pahat in 1963, transporting goods to Dumai using his own vessels.
Foundations of Expansion
-
1960
Eastern Navigation Pte Ltd is established, formalizing decades of maritime experience into a full-fledged offshore support company incorporated in Singapore.
-
1978
A bold next step: the company sets up Pandan Shipyard Pte Ltd, securing land from JTC Singapore to begin its own shipbuilding and repair operations.
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1980s
As timber exports decline across the region, Mr. Tan anticipates the future. Eastern Navigation pivots to serve the offshore oil & gas industry, reinforcing its resilience and foresight.
-
1983
The launch of ENA Supply 1, the first utility vessel, signals a new era—Eastern Navigation is now building vessels for the offshore energy frontier.
-
1990
The office moves from Telok Ayer to the shipyard on Pandan Road, integrating both companies in one place. A unified company emerges, ready to scale.
-
1993
Mr. Tan Keng Hong passes on his legacy. Leadership transitions to his three sons, who carry the torch forward with the same founding values.
-
1994
Expansion continues with the founding of Pandan Bahari Shipyard in Batam, Indonesia—laying the foundation for regional growth and a modern, self-sustaining fleet.
-
1998
First Anchor Handling tug delivered paving the way for the company to be a market leader in supporting pipe lay barge operations.
-
2007
First AHTS ENA Commander delivered marking the company foray into offshore drilling support services.
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2012
Took delivery of our first Accommodation work barge Eastern WB300 gaining access in the offshore accommodation market.
-
2018
Acquired the MPSV ENA Wizard to enhance subsea capabilities, and added ENA Fortitude—one of Southeast Asia’s largest AHTS vessels—to strengthen offshore support operations.
-
2023
Granted a lease extension by the government for Pandan Shipyard Singapore and currently upgrading and modernizing the Yard.
A Legacy That Shaped
an Industry
Mr. Tan Keng Hong helped shape Singapore into a regional hub for tug and barge operations. His legacy was carried on by his son, Mr. Tan Ser Giam, who served in key roles within the Singapore National Shipping Association.
Eastern Navigation is proudly entering its third generation of leadership, carrying forward a legacy of integrity, resilience, and visionary excellence.
Today, Eastern Navigation and its subsidiaries — Pandan Shipyard, Pandan Bahari Shipyard, and ENA Property Investment — continue to build on Mr. Tan’s vision. The values he instilled remain the foundation of the company’s ongoing success and enduring impact.
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