The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Microsoft to collaborate on maritime projects involving technologies including cloud computing, artificial intelligence (AI), data analytics, robotics, and cybersecurity.
MPA and Microsoft will trial the use of AI and digital twins to optimise vessel route planning to enhance safety and reduce emissions in maritime operations, as well as just-in-time arrivals to reduce turnaround times for vessels in port. The partners also plan to provide training for early adopters to upskill workers on how to use and implement these systems.
The two organisations will additionally explore synergies with MPA’s own cybersecurity capabilities to support early detection of cyber threats, and will co-develop new digital systems or leverage existing Microsoft products to support small-and-medium enterprises in improving energy efficiency in shipping operations.
This will include utilising 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 and mitigation measures.
“MPA’s collaboration with Microsoft is a significant step towards strengthening Maritime Singapore’s digitalisation and sustainability efforts,” said David Foo, MPA’s Assistant Chief Executive (Operations Technology).
“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.”
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 capabilities for maritime use cases, including route and fuel optimisation, carbon emissions accounting, and just-in-time arrivals.
