Introduction

Singapore is working towards becoming a leading maritime technology hub by focusing on integrating cutting-edge technologies such as blockchain, big data, IoT, and AI into the shipping industry. The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) plays a key role in promoting the adoption of these technologies and has launched several initiatives to support their development and implementation in the maritime industry. Additionally, Singapore is also emphasising the use of clean energy in the maritime industry and is taking steps to reduce the environmental impact of shipping. To achieve this goal, Singapore is investing millions of dollars in startups and scale-ups, aiming to set up 150 new companies by 2025 through the Maritime Innovation and Technology (MINT) fund. The MPA has also established a digital technology marketplace and start-up playbook to support these initiatives and has set specific requirements for start-up companies to apply for funding from the MINT-Start Up program, including completing PIER71 or a similar maritime acceleration program. As of May 2022, a number of start-up companies have been awarded funding through the program. However, the maritime industry in Singapore is facing challenges such as a shortage of skilled workers, increased risk of cyber attacks, need for new infrastructure, compliance with international regulations, and cost and uncertainty of the benefits of new technologies.

Technological Trends in Singapore

Over the past year, Singapore has boosted its efforts to become the world’s leading maritime technology hub. To ensure that the country has been focusing on several trends within the maritime sector to ensure that all market revenue has been accounted for.

In addition, understanding the trends in the industry worldwide enables Singapore technology companies to focus on providing the best technical solutions available on the market.

An analysis by the Mckinsey Technology council has identified significant trends in the industry in which companies have put forward substantial development from Singapore and how the country harnesses the new technologies to apply them to benefit their uses and ensure a safer, more efficient workspace.  

Integration of Blockchain, Big Data, Internet of Things (IoT), and Artificial Intelligence (AI)

When it comes to digitalisation it is blockchain, big data, loT, and AI are vital technologies driving the next wave of digital transformation, and there is no exception in the shipping industry.  Blockchain technologies can be beneficial to the certification industry. DNV was the first in the certification industry to integrate blockchain technology into their business, enabling companies to share data in real time and offer customers more transparency into their supply chains and product origins while preserving confidentiality and security. The MPA has launched an Innovation Lab to boost the country’s maritime technological capabilities, using blockchain for e-bills of landing. 

Besides blockchain, the most advanced technological trends in innovative solutions in the shipping supply chain are sensors, loT and big data applications. The use of sensors has been a significant breakthrough in the industry, and it gathers information about objects being shipped from one location to another. In addition, loT takes technology even further by implementing intelligent devices which can communicate with each other and provide real-time updates about any issue or disruption along the way. 

The MPA constantly collaborates with industry partners across the maritime value chain for marine technology. They signed the Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) and mainly focused on the new technologies and R&D programmes for a digitised and autonomous maritime future. Automation and robotics are key topics to enhance workforce productivity and safety. In support, the MPA Living Lab announced in March 2017 provides a technology partnership platform. It allows a test bed of locally developed solutions under actual operating conditions. This also facilitates MPA’s increasing emphasis on translating the R&D outputs into applicable products and solutions. Robotics, drones, autonomous vessels and other autonomous systems are all under the framework for air pollution levels of operations, and implementation of robotics will improve onboard and ashore.

Additive Manufacturing (AM, 3D Printing)

Additive Manufacturing (AM, 3D Printing). This technology is becoming more relevant for spare production construction to grow the Singapore maritime sector’s value and job creation target by 2025. As a result, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore have initiated a Joint Industry Program (JIP) to accelerate additive manufacturing in the maritime industry. DNV has been appointed as the lead researcher to support this initiative. In addition, with the support of the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB), DNV has also successfully launched the Global Additive Manufacturing Centre of Excellence and collaborates with Sembcorp Marine, SIMTech, and NAMIC to help enhance the manufacturing competitiveness of Singapore’s marine and offshore engineering industry.

Future of clean energy

Singapore is actively exploring using clean energy in its maritime industry to reduce the environmental impact of shipping.  Several initiatives are underway to promote the adoption of alternative fuels and renewable energy sources in the sector. The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore announced in 2022 their intentions and plans for ensuring decarbonisation, working towards a 2050 goal to set out ambitious and concrete long-term strategies to build a sustainable maritime industry in Singapore, with them providing $330 million to support this goal. 

One example of how Singapore aims to do this is liquefied natural gas (LNG) as a marine fuel. LNG is a clean-burning fossil fuel that produces significantly lower air pollution levels than traditional marine fuels such as diesel. As a result, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore has introduced several incentives to encourage the use of LNG by ships calling at the port, including the reconstruction of LNG bunkering facilities.

Another area of focus is the development of hybrid and electric propulsion systems for ships. These technologies can significantly reduce the amount of fuel consumed and emissions produced by vessels, and they are expected to play an increasingly important role in the maritime industry’s future.

In addition to these efforts, Singapore is also exploring the potential of renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power. The country has installed several floating solar panels at its offshore reservoirs and is studying the feasibility of using wind turbines to generate electricity for ships.

Overall, the future of clean energy in Singapore’s maritime industry looks promising as the country continues to invest in and adopt new technologies to reduce its environmental impact.

Development of Ports in the Country

The Government of Singapore has continued to invest in transport infrastructure to ensure the country’s position as a world-class city and keep transport mode between Asia and the world. To maintain its position at the top, the country has been developing next-generation container ports. The port aims to be finished by 2040 after taking almost 30 years to complete. Tuas will be the world’s largest container port and shall be capable of handling 65 million TEU per annum. The new port will be able to adapt to rising sea levels and will have an operating platform of 5m above the maximum sea level, with more than 50% of the total fill materials coming from dredged material and excavated earth from construction. 

The MPA is working with port operations to drive the adoption of digital technologies at the Port of Singapore. For example, the MPA is developing the next-generation vessel traffic management system to provide accurate, real-time situational awareness of shipping traffic and the digitalPORT to enhance the efficiency of port operations and reduce the turnaround of ships. 

Tusa Port aims to be versatile and fitted with manoeuvrable electrified, automated yard cranes and automated guided vehicles which will be used to transport containers between the yard and the wharf. The port works closely with technology partners to co-develop advanced automation digitalisation solutions across multiple avenues, including cranes and AGVs, with scalable designs for future growth and expansion as the port gradually scales up. The port shall also deploy a private 5G network to support the 5G-enabled AGVs and Automated cranes.

The future of the Singapore Maritime Market

Singapore’s maritime information technology market is forecast to turn over $6.2 billion USD in 2022 and achieve a 7.9% growth rate by 2030, making the sector worth $10.6 billion USD by the decade’s end. This growth is driven by a number of factors, including:

1. Government support: The government has been actively promoting the adoption of new technologies in the maritime industry and has implemented various initiatives and funding schemes to support the adoption and development of new technologies in the maritime sector.
2. Digitalisation: Shipping companies and ports use digital platforms and tools to automate processes, improve data management and analysis, and enhance communication and collaboration. This can help to reduce the cost of operations and improve efficiency.
3. Automation and robotics: The use of automation and robotics in cargo handling and terminal operations is increasing, which can help to improve productivity, reduce labour costs and improve safety.
4. Research and development: The government is investing in research and development to develop new technologies that can benefit the maritime industry. This includes developing autonomous vessels and using artificial intelligence and machine learning in the maritime industry.
5. Increasing demand: The increasing demand for maritime services is driving the growth of the maritime information technology market in Singapore.

Today, the technology sector makes up around a tenth of the overall maritime industry, but its relative contribution is set to almost double to become one-fifth of Singapore’s maritime economy by 2030. This highlights the importance and potential of the technology sector in the maritime industry in Singapore and the government’s efforts to promote it.

Singapore’s maritime information technology market is expected to experience significant growth in the coming years, driven by government support, digitalisation, automation and robotics, research and development and increasing demand for maritime services. This will contribute to the overall growth of the maritime economy in Singapore and strengthen Singapore’s position as a leading global hub for maritime services.

Singapore’s Start-Up Companies

In 2021, Singapore announced its plan to fund startups and scale-ups with millions of dollars worth of funding to position the county as the world’s preeminent hub for maritime technology. In addition, the Senior Minister of State for Transport and Foreign Affairs Chee Hong Tat, promised to build a maritime ecosystem that encourages experimenting and creative solutions. For the country to reach its goal, the Maritime and Port Authority (MPA) will set aside $10 million from its Maritime Innovation and Technology (MINT) fund to grow the number of maritime technology startups, aiming to set up 150 new companies by 2025.

To become the world’s premier maritime start-up hub, they intend to develop a new digital technology marketplace and start a playbook to support these initiatives. The marketplace will aim to connect maritime and venture capital companies with start-ups. The playbook will guide the awarded start-up companies to take advantage of available schemes and support programs to ensure they get the best start. 

To be successful for the grant, the start-up companies will have to have completed PIER71 or a similar maritime acceleration program to provide them with a grant of up to $100,000 of the total funding. As of May 2022, 11 start-up companies have successfully been awarded funding from the MINT-Start Up programme.

1. EcoWorth Tech

EcoWorth Tech is a clean tech company that commercialises carbon fibre aerogel technology focusing on waste to worth-creating applications for industrial environments and social benefits. Their waste-to-worth solutions partner specialises in transforming waste materials into reusable products whilst delivering social and environmental benefits. 

Their enhanced oil removal solution to provide better marine oil spill response is the project that placed them 2nd in the PIER71 smart port challenge, which entitled them to receive funding from MINT. They aim to address the inefficiencies in the current treatment of oily water and the environmental impact of this process. EcoWorth is developing a technology called Carbon Fiber Aerogel (CFA) which proves to be an environmentally friendly super absorbent sponge material that is natural and capable of removing up to 99% of liquid organics in oils such as oils and grease from water. The technology integrated into the existing water remediation has shown to be cost-effective and enables the reliable, safe discharge of treated wastewater into the ocean. 

2. EnvironSens

EnvironSens is a spin-off from the National University of Singapore and has worked closely with PUB, Singapore’s National Water Agency, over the last seven years for I2BioS development and is supported by Enterprise Singapore. They design, manufacture and provide water-quality products and services. Their System monitors toxicity in used water networks.

EnvironSens was awarded funding from MINT for creating a Robust Testing and Monitoring system to test the drinking water quality onboard vessels. With the funding received, they plan to automate the manual processes of their current bacterial monitoring system. This is because their current system requires human expertise and interference in filtration, staining and colourimetric analysis, which is not feasible for vessel usage. 

3. Eupnoos 

Eupnoos is an AI enhanced smartphone app able to use sound to objectively measure lung function in patients diagnosed with chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cystic fibrosis (CF) and interstitial lung disease (ILD). Their platform is the only system entirely software-based and plugs the respiratory disease monitoring gap in the market today. By objectifying and integrating lung function measurements with respiratory symptoms, Eupnoos simplifies self-management through individualised prediction of flare-ups. These have the most significant impact on quality of life and healthcare costs. Their vision is to enable cost-effective management of chronic lung conditions with our breakthrough digital health solution so that physicians can optimise care and patients are empowered to live their best possible lives.

The project that awarded them with the MINT funding is the Eupnoos lung function test for occupational disease. They aim to enable shipyard workers to check for the first signs of lung disease by using the device so that all workers can take early action and not ignore the problem until crisis sets in. The application can also support smoking cessation by showing smokers their lunch conditions, enabling them to track their improvements over time if they adhere to their plan. 

4. EyeGauge 

Eyeguage digital transformation of existing equipment defines a new approach to affordable digitalisation. Their mission is to facilitate and democratise the world with industrial loT with easy and affordable access to smart data. Furthermore, to equip their customers with actionable insight that allows them to increase their efficiency and create more value and better user experience. 

Their non-invasive online condition monitoring system for high-speed passenger ferries in real-time will be used to leverage on eyeGuge’s non-invasive data collection solution using cameras and capture devices to gather data onboard ships. In addition, it will extract and digitise analogue signals from the main engine, electrical generations and other onboard equipment to guide maintenance for activities for the ferries and improve asset availability for utilisation. 

5. Flexosense

Flexosense is another spin-off from the National University of Singapore, incorporated in 2016. They envision their company’s sensors as an enabler in sensing for healthcare devices, robotics and consumer electronics. Their technologies are patented technologies and advanced manufacturing methods to create flexible sensors.

Flexosense created a smart insole for worker safety and productivity. Their pitch at PIER71, their smart insole acts in real-time and detects slips, trips, and falls. Their dashboard enables remote monitoring and timely intervention. In addition, they have developed a patent-pending pressure sensing technology for insoles trailed in the health sector. Through the project, they will enhance and tweak their smart insole for the maritime, marine and offshore sectors to detect slips. 

6. ITAAS

ITAAS cater for a wide scale of businesses, ranging from large to multination corporations to small enterprises and startups. They draw insights from their simple beginning in essential project management to highly complex infrastructure suited for small and large companies. In addition, they dedicate their time and resources to researching the market needs of their clients and aim to become the technological standard by providing big-picture insight that industry leaders depend on.  

They are creating a device that monitors and early detection of health conditions. To redesign ITAAS’s current in-ear wearable technology to aid in detecting cardiovascular-related health conditions. This is to ensure early intervention in a marine environment. The device will give supervisors real-time visibility of their crew’s health conditions. 

7. MAGES Studio

Mages studio provides creative tech solutions for businesses needing cutting-edge expertise in Virtual Reality, Augmented reality and Serious gaming. They are the bridge between the physical and virtual and can empower innovative business strategies to adapt to the new age of VR. They are continuously evolving the industry with a lean, talented team that keeps up to date with technology. 

Their pitch to PIER27 explains how they aim to create a game for seafarers’ onboarding training. To develop a ship emergency simulation game that will be a level-based game for all crew members working onboard at any level. The game will see the ship travelling from point A to point B, and the player shall face multiple emergency situations. The player must resolve the emergency situations by performing the correct actions in the proper order and ensuring smooth sailing throughout the journey.

8. MagicPort

MagicPort is a collaboration platform for all players in ship operations, ship suppliers, service providers, owners and seafarers. They bring these players on a digital platform and give them essential information, intelligence and automation tools to facilitate seamless collaboration for intelligent and sustainable shipping. 

Their digital procurement and collaboration platform for ships’ supplies and services has awarded them with MINT funding. They aim to develop a digital marketplace and collaboration platform, which will be a comprehensive directory that provides information for ports, suppliers and service providers, vessels, owners and work on the request for quotation processor, which can help suppliers automate the process of preparing the quotations. 

9. Temus

Temus was created by the need for sophisticated digital capabilities to drive transformation across the public and private sectors. Their approach seeks to drive transformation holistically, which looks beyond technology and covers all aspects of people, process, change management and policy, which is critical to successful transformation outcomes. Offering end-to-end transformation that starts with a design value orientation and walks the path with vital IT service and delivery capabilities, they are committed to providing a stone talent value proposition. 

Their aim to create and detect and prevention of near-miss workplace fall injuries without vision analytics landed them funding from MINT. The leverage in the existing connected worker systems platform consists of TAGU and NaviSafe. It enhances their wearable device to detect slips, trips and falls accurately or falls from height. 

10. Vilota

Vilota is a company that specialises in 3D visual sensing solutions, intending to provide businesses with the opportunity to develop their robotic applications. This is made possible by creating standalone perception systems which are modular, accessible and reliable.

The company have created a vision-based solution for rebar distance management. To leverage their proprietary 360-degree vision-based sensor and develop a prototype to provide recognition and counting with high accuracy, a diameter measurement of rebars and information for automated tallying within a port environment. 

11. WeavAir

WeavAir built the first solution that harnesses advanced loT sensors and predictive algorithms to optimise buildings, vehicles and vessels whilst improving safety and reducing emissions and carbon footprint. They monitor and optimise air conditions and purification systems to reduce transmissions of infection, improve indoor air quality, reduce emissions energy and streamline operations. 

The WeavAir loss prevention platform aims to create value for ship owners, managers and marine insurers by developing a digital portal to improve benchmarking, accelerate decisions, and improve forecasting and risk rating. 

Technology plays a pivotal role in helping the maritime sector stay resilient. With the aftermath of COVID-19, the industry has learnt that the radicalisation of technology is vital to ensure the industry can succeed in such demanding times. With that, the pandemic has accelerated digitalisation efforts in shipping and has led Singapore to significantly raise the standards for helping start-up companies like those listed above. They believe it provides a safe space to fail so that companies and individuals have a convective environment to try new ideas and are prepared for many experiments to fail before success emerges. 

 On the global front, Singapore will push for common data standards to better integrate networks and systems in the industry and boost the adoption of digital solutions across supply chains.

Challenges

The maritime technology landscape in Singapore is challenged by a shortage of skilled workers, increased risk of cyber attacks, the potential need for new infrastructure, the need to keep pace with international regulations, and the hesitancy of some shipping companies and ports to adopt new technologies due to the cost and uncertainty of the benefits. 

Shortage of Skilled Workers

The Singapore maritime technology landscape is facing a significant challenge due to a need for more skilled workers and professionals with expertise in the field. This shortage can make it difficult for companies operating in the maritime industry to implement new technologies and stay competitive in the global market. This is a challenge for the industry and government to work together to address through investments in education, training and apprenticeship programs to ensure a steady pipeline of talent to meet the needs of the industry. Additionally, the government can attract and retain talent by providing incentives, such as tax breaks and subsidies for companies to invest in training and development.

Cyber Attacks

Singapore is a significant player in the maritime industry and has invested heavily in technology to enhance its ports’ and shipping operations’ efficiency and safety. However, with the increasing use of technology in the maritime sector comes an increased risk of cyber attacks. As a result, the Singapore government has implemented several measures to protect its maritime infrastructure and assets from cyber-attacks to address this threat.

One of the main initiatives is establishing the Maritime Cyber Risk Management Office (MCrime) under the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA). The office is responsible for coordinating national efforts to detect, prevent, and respond to cyber attacks on the maritime sector. The MPA also works closely with other government agencies, such as the Infocomm Media Development Authority, to develop and implement cyber security guidelines and standards for the maritime industry.

Another initiative is the launch of the Maritime Cybersecurity Industry Partnership (MCIP) in 2018, which brings together industry players, government agencies and research institutions to share information and collaborate on cybersecurity research and development.

Additionally, the MPA conducts regular cyber security exercises and simulations, in collaboration with industry partners to test and enhance the readiness of the maritime sector to respond to cyber incidents.

Overall,  Singapore has taken a proactive approach to address cyber security risks in the maritime sector, by establishing dedicated agencies and partnerships, as well as regular exercises and guidelines.

The potential need for new infrastructure

Singapore is home to one of the busiest ports in the world and a significant ship repair and shipbuilding industry. As a result, the country has invested heavily in technology to enhance its ports’ and shipping operations’ efficiency and safety.

One of the critical areas of technological development in Singapore’s maritime industry is automation and digitalisation. The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) has implemented various port automation projects, including remote-controlled cranes and automated guided vehicles, to improve cargo handling efficiency and reduce the need for manual labour. Additionally, the MPA has been implementing a digitalisation program to improve the efficiency and transparency of port operations through the use of digital systems and technologies, such as blockchain and artificial intelligence.

Another area of technological development in Singapore’s maritime industry is innovative shipping technologies, such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and autonomous vessels. The MPA is working with industry partners to develop and test these technologies to improve the efficiency and safety of shipping operations.

Singapore also strongly focuses on sustainability and energy efficiency in the maritime industry. The MPA has implemented various initiatives to encourage the use of clean energy and reduce emissions from ships, including liquefied natural gas (LNG) as a marine fuel and the development of electric and hybrid vessels.

In terms of infrastructure, Singapore’s existing maritime infrastructure is well-developed and able to support the current demand. However, with increasing trade volumes and new technologies being introduced, there may be a need for new infrastructure to support the maritime industry’s growth. The MPA is closely monitoring the industry’s development and will make necessary adjustments to the infrastructure to support the industry’s growth.

Keeping up with current regulations

The country needs to keep pace with international regulations to maintain its competitive edge and ensure safe and efficient operations. One of the key international regulations that Singapore must comply with is the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) and the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL). These conventions set international standards for the safety, and environmental performance of ships and Singapore’s maritime industry must comply with these standards to maintain its reputation as a safe and responsible member of the international maritime community.

Singapore is also a signatory to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and must comply with the convention’s provisions related to maritime boundaries, navigation, and protecting the marine environment.

In addition to these international regulations, Singapore’s maritime industry must also comply with regional regulations, such as the ASEAN Maritime Transport Agreement, which sets standards for the safety, security, and environmental performance of ships in the region.

To ensure compliance with these regulations, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) works closely with international and regional organisations and conducts regular inspections and audits of ships and maritime facilities. The MPA also provides guidance and assistance to the industry to help them comply with these regulations.

Singapore’s maritime industry must comply with international and regional regulations to maintain its competitive edge and ensure safe and efficient operations. The MPA plays a key role in ensuring compliance with these regulations through regular inspections and audits and providing guidance and assistance to the industry.

Adoption of new technologies

Singapore has been actively promoting the adoption of new technologies in the maritime industry to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance competitiveness. This aligns with the government’s goal to establish Singapore as a leading global hub for maritime services.

Digitalisation is one example of a technology being adopted in the maritime industry in Singapore. Shipping companies and ports use digital platforms and tools to automate processes, improve data management and analysis, and enhance communication and collaboration. This can help to reduce the cost of operations and improve efficiency.

Another example is automation and robotics in cargo handling and terminal operations. This can help to improve productivity, reduce labour costs and improve safety.

To support these efforts, the government has implemented various initiatives and funding schemes to encourage the adoption and development of new technologies in the maritime sector. For example, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) has introduced the Maritime Innovation and Technology Fund to provide funding for projects that aim to improve efficiency and productivity in the maritime sector.

In addition, the government is also investing in research and development to develop new technologies that can benefit the maritime industry. This includes developing autonomous vessels and using artificial intelligence and machine learning in the maritime industry.

Overall, Singapore is taking a proactive approach to promote the adoption of new technologies in the maritime industry, and the government is providing support to companies and organisations looking to adopt new technologies. However, it’s important to note that the cost and uncertainty of the benefits can impede the adoption, but Singapore is trying to mitigate those factors to promote innovation in the industry.

Conclusion

Singapore has been working to become a leading maritime technology hub, focusing on trends such as blockchain, big data, IoT, and AI to drive digital transformation in the industry. The MPA has launched an Innovation Lab to boost the country’s maritime technological capabilities and signed MoUs with industry partners to focus on new technologies and R&D programs for a digitised and autonomous maritime future. Robotics and autonomous systems are also being implemented to improve workforce productivity and safety. The country is also exploring the use of additive manufacturing and clean energy to reduce the environmental impact of shipping and enhance the manufacturing competitiveness of Singapore’s marine and offshore engineering industry. 

Singapore has announced plans to fund startups and scale-ups with millions of dollars worth of funding to position the country as the world’s preeminent hub for maritime technology. The Maritime and Port Authority (MPA) will set aside $10 million from its Maritime Innovation and Technology (MINT) fund to grow the number of maritime technology startups, aiming to set up 150 new companies by 2025. A digital technology marketplace will be developed to connect maritime and venture capital companies with start-ups. A playbook will guide the awarded start-up companies to utilise available schemes and support programs. Start-up companies must have completed PIER71 or a similar maritime acceleration program to be eligible for funding. Three start-up companies, EcoWorth Tech, EnvironSens and Eupnoos, have successfully been awarded funding from the MINT-Start Up program.

The maritime technology landscape in Singapore faces a number of challenges, including a shortage of skilled workers, increased risk of cyber attacks, the potential need for new infrastructure, the need to keep pace with international regulations, and the hesitancy of some shipping companies and ports to adopt new technologies due to the cost and uncertainty of the benefits. To address the shortage of skilled workers, the government and industry must work together to invest in education, training and apprenticeship programs. Cybersecurity is also a major concern, and Singapore has taken a proactive approach by establishing dedicated agencies and partnerships, as well as regular exercises and guidelines. Singapore has also invested heavily in technology to enhance its ports and shipping operations’ efficiency and safety, focusing on automation and digitalisation, innovative shipping technologies, sustainability, and energy efficiency. The MPA is critical in implementing these initiatives and working with industry partners to develop and test new technologies.