MPA inks five deals to push innovation in the shipping sector

An agreement with ST Electronics is one.

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore signed five memorandums of understanding (MOU) with local and international players in the hopes of advancing innovation and build technological capabilities in Singapore's shipping sector.

It has signed deals with PSA, Jurong Port, ST Electronics, Lloyd's Register, Alpha Ori, LP and NUS' Technology Centre for Offshore and Marine.

The MPA-PSA MOU has been renewed for the third term. Enhancing collaboration in the research and test-bedding of new technologies for the future Tuas Terminal, the renewed MOU is a combined $30m commitment from both parties to further boost the PTRDP, and aims to step up R&D and capability development in the areas of digitalisation, connected community systems, and automation and robotics.

Meanwhile, the MOU between MPA and JP will be expanded to include the innovation and productivity initiatives to enable customisation of equipment to suit operations in Jurong Port as well as the data analytics and IoT: Applications of data analytics for tracking of equipment, resources and utilities.

For MPA and ST Electronics, the deal will explore collaboration on R&D projects to enhance port and shipping operations, as well as develop technology standards with industry partners.

Additionally, the MPA-Lloyd's Register deal will build upon strong existing collaborations and extend into Big Data and Intelligent Systems for real-time condition monitoring, Unmanned Systems & Robotics for operations, maintenance and inspections and Emerging Areas such as 3D Printing.

Finally, the four-party collaboration with Alpha Ori, LR, and NUS’ Technology Centre for Offshore and Marine aim to jointly establish a Centre of Innovation and conduct joint research in the areas of Data Analytics for Smart Shipping, use of Robotics and Unmanned Systems in port and shipping for operations, maintenance and inspections in hazardous zones, and maritime cybersecurity.