MPA, Jurong Port sign $28m deal for multipurpose port improvement

This multipurpose port will focus on automation, sustainability, and digitalisation.

In a bid to enhance the sea transport sector, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and Jurong Port Pte Ltd signed a memorandum of understanding to enhance the resilience of a multipurpose port.

The programme, which has a budget of $28m, aims to improve the Jurong Port by focussing on collaboration in automation and mechanisation, sustainability and future green fuels, digitalisation, as well as safety and security. 

According to MPA, this is based on an existing MOU that was in effect from October 2011 to October 2016, whilst the second and latest MOU reaffirms collaboration from April 2017 to April 2022.

Aside from this, the MPA also expanded its Sea Transport Industry Digital Plan (IDP), which was first launched in 2020 to urge digital transformation by companies.

The Sea Transport IDP has included all subsectors in sea transport including ship chandlers, shipbrokers, marine surveyors, ship management, and ship operators. In relation to this, MPA will also extend funding support for the adoption of pre-approved digital solutions beyond 31 December 2022 to help eligible maritime firms.

Due to the expansion, more than 3,000 small and medium-sized enterprises in the sea transport sub-sectors are qualified to apply for co-funding.