MPA and Microsoft to boost maritime’s digital and green transformation

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Microsoft to collaborate in innovative technologies, including cloud computing, artificial intelligence (AI), data analytics, robotics and cybersecurity, to support the adoption and development of digital and green solutions for the maritime industry.

According to MPA, the two parties will trial the use of AI and digital twins to optimize vessel route planning to enhance safety and reduce emissions in maritime operations, as well as just-in-time arrivals to reduce the turnaround times for vessels in port.

Furthermore, MPA and Microsoft will explore synergies with MPA’s own cybersecurity capabilities and co-develop new digital solutions or leverage existing Microsoft products to co-develop solutions to support small and medium enterprises, by aggregating demand and improving energy efficiency for shipping and port operations. MPA said that these solutions include using Microsoft’s digital modelling and simulation tools and analytics capabilities, as well as building spatial models to help inform policy and decision-making on climate risk assessment, mitigation and adaptation measures.

David Foo, MPA’s Assistant Chief Executive of Operations Technology, commented: “MPA’s collaboration with Microsoft is a significant step towards strengthening Maritime Singapore’s digitalisation and sustainability efforts. MPA is pleased to work with the industry to create digital solutions and applications to address the key challenges in port operations and service delivery, safe navigation of ships, cybersecurity, and sustainability. The collaboration also supports goals for the maritime sector to innovate, reduce business costs and carbon emissions in alignment with the national and international emission targets.”

Lee Hui Li, Managing Director of Microsoft Singapore, stated: “We are thrilled to embark on this transformative journey with MPA, leveraging Microsoft’s advanced technologies in cloud computing, AI, and cybersecurity to drive the digital and green transformation of the maritime industry. Together, we strive to establish new benchmarks in safety, efficiency, and sustainability, as we accelerate innovation for the global maritime sector.”

To remind, in April 2024, MPA announced a partnership with Amazon Web Services to develop a maritime Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI–ML) Digital Hub to pilot new AI and generative AI capabilities for maritime use cases, including route and fuel optimization, carbon emissions accounting and just-in-time arrivals. The hub is expected to help ships operate more efficiently, reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and enhance the safety of operations.