The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore has said it couldn't say nothing at all and has set the record straight after Ronan Keating mistakenly thought that its ships were "all parked up" because of coronavirus.

In a now-deleted picture posted on Instagram, Keating had said ships outside the Port of Singapore were not allowed to dock because of the Covid-19 virus.

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore has since explained that no vessels were turned away because of the virus, and that it was simply as busy as usual.

"We are glad that Ronan Keating caught a glimpse of the busy Port of Singapore," MPA Singapore wrote on its Instagram page.

"Every two to three minutes, a ship arrives or leaves Singapore. At any one time, there are about 1,000 ships in the Port!"

It said its staff are working "round the clock" to keep the port open, adding: "#WeCouldntSayNothingAtAll" - a reference to Keating's hit When You Say Nothing At All.

Keating subsequently apologised for his post, writing: "I recently posted this pic after being told by a local in Singapore that the reason they were all parked up was due to the Virus. I have been recently informed that this is not true and that this is how the harbour always looks."

"I apologise if I offended anyone in my post you all know I would never purposefully do that," Keating continued.

"To all you haters out there, get on with your short life. I went to Singapore and did a gig when others were cancelling and the same in Jakarta. I feel very blessed to be able to do what I do. Peace and love to all and wash your hands."