MPA Singapore and MISC to support digital transformation in maritime industry

December 5, 2024, by Sara Kosmajac

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and Malaysia’s energy-related maritime services provider MISC Berhad (MISC) have formed a partnership to work on innovation, research and development as well as test-bedding activities to “advance” digital transformation in the maritime industry.

As part of this three-year agreement, both parties will reportedly focus on integrating sustainable digital technologies into marine operations, and ‘enhance’ processes through data-sharing initiatives and cybersecurity solutions.

As disclosed, these include exchanging information and technology trials between MISC and the MPA for tankers through a just-in-time planning and coordination platform, data sharing as well as cloud services to ‘bolster up’ the use of e-clearances and e-certificates in the Port of Singapore and onboard Singapore-registered ships.

In addition to this, cyber solution trials with the Maritime Cyber Assurance and Operations Center are also set to be conducted.

The MPA also emphasized that the signing parties, together with an array of researchers, have plans to explore the potential application of artificial intelligence, digital twins and semi-autonomous vessel operations with the aim of ‘improving’ shipping efficiency.

Finally, the partnership has set its eyes on talent development, in terms of ‘upskilling’ seafarers to operate alternative-fuelled ships and ensuring a future-ready workforce for the maritime industry, according to MPA Singapore.

“MISC, with its expertise in ship management and sustainable shipping practices, is a good partner for MPA to develop solutions to help digitalize and optimize shipping operations. We look forward to deepening our partnership with MISC Marine to transform the work for seafarers and professionals for more resilient and efficient shipping services,” Teo Eng Dih, Chief Executive of MPA, shared.

When it comes to green shipping and maritime digitalization, the Singaporean port authority also struck a partnership with China’s Suzhou Industrial Park Administrative Committee (SIPAC) to explore the possibilities within these two segments.

Specifically, the MPA and SIPAC announced in mid-November 2024 that the two would work together to facilitate discovery and exchanges among enterprises, promoting the use of “innovative” technologies and supporting joint demonstrations of maritime technology solutions.

Just months before that, namely in July, the MPA signed a MoU with Microsoft to look into the prospect of technologies such as cloud computing, artificial intelligence, data analytics, robotics and cybersecurity to aid in the adoption and development of digital and green solutions for the maritime industry.