MPA Partners Industry Giants to Propel Maritime Digital Transformation
MPA and AWS Collaborate to Drive Digital Transformation and Sustainability in Maritime Industry
The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) has partnered with Amazon Web Services (AWS) to advance the digital transformation and green transition of the maritime industry. This collaboration will utilize AWS’s cloud, artificial intelligence (AI), and digital twin technologies to boost efficiency, safety, and sustainability in the sector. The partnership was formalized through a memorandum of understanding signed by Mr. David Foo, Assistant Chief Executive (Operations Technology) of MPA, and Ms. Elsie Tan, Country Manager for the Worldwide Public Sector in Singapore at AWS, during the ‘Accelerating Digitalization and Decarbonization Conference’ at Singapore Maritime Week on April 16, 2024.
Developing AI-Driven Maritime Solutions
As part of this initiative, MPA and AWS will establish the maritime AI and Machine Learning (AI-ML) Digital Hub, the first of its kind in the ASEAN region. This hub will leverage AWS cloud services to enable the maritime industry to test innovative AI and generative AI (GenAI) solutions on the Green and Digital Shipping Corridors. These solutions will focus on optimizing routes, reducing fuel consumption and carbon emissions, and ensuring just-in-time arrivals to enhance operational efficiency and safety. Additionally, MPA will utilize the Amazon Sustainability Data Initiative to expedite sustainability research by lowering the costs and time required to access and analyze large datasets.
To build AI capabilities within the industry, MPA and AWS will provide training, incubation initiatives, and immersion programs aimed at equipping maritime employees and stakeholders, especially those in small and medium enterprises (SMEs), with essential cloud, data, and AI skills. The first training program is expected to launch by the end of 2024.
Digital Ship Identity Trials with S&P Global and Bunkerchain
At the event, MPA also signed a memorandum of understanding with S&P Global Market Intelligence and Bunkerchain to pilot the use of digital ship identities at the Port of Singapore. This initiative aims to enhance security, trust, and efficiency in electronic transactions by using digital identities for applications like digital port clearance and digital bunkering. Digital identities, when combined with electronic signatures, will eliminate the need for physical stamps and wet ink signatures, paving the way for fully digital and secure maritime operations.
Enhancing Navigation and Satellite Capabilities
As Singapore’s hub port expands, the MPA is developing an AI-enabled Next Generation Vessel Traffic Management System (NGVTMS) to manage increasing traffic volume and complexity. In April 2024, MPA awarded the NGVTMS prototyping tender to Tidalis B.V., Kongsberg Norcontrol AS, and Wartsila Singapore Pte. Ltd. These companies will develop prototypes at MPA’s Maritime Innovation Lab 2.0 over the next 15 months before moving to full-scale development. The NGVTMS will feature advanced data analytics and machine learning to predict collisions and manage vessel traffic more efficiently and safely.
In the space domain, MPA is creating a Satellite Resource Management Platform (SRMP) to quickly capture satellite images for time-critical missions. This platform will streamline the process of engaging multiple satellite operators and utilize AI tools for automated object detection, significantly reducing the time required to acquire images, which is crucial for missions such as searching for distressed vessels.
Digital Twin for Methanol Bunkering Incident Management
MPA, in collaboration with Esri Singapore, the Agency for Science, Technology and Research’s Institute of High Performance Computing, and the Technology Centre for Offshore and Marine, Singapore, has developed a digital twin proof-of-concept for a methanol bunkering leak incident. This interactive web application integrates weather and ocean current predictions with AIS data to visualize chemical plume dispersions. This capability enhances planners’ understanding of plume behavior and informs the development of safety and incident response plans.
Supporting MarineTech Startups
Motion Ventures and PIER71™, supported by MPA, launched the Maritime Singapore Startup Ecosystem Map 2024. This map, the first of its kind in Singapore, showcases active MarineTech startups based on their focus areas. By providing a single interface for these startups, the map aims to facilitate discovery, information sharing, and collaboration opportunities among maritime companies, technology firms, and venture capitalists. The map will be available on the websites of Motion Ventures, PIER71™, and MPA starting April 16.
