Murali Pillai, Singapore’s Senior Minister of State for Transport and Law, has outlined plans for the development of the Maritime Singapore Master Plan to strengthen its position as a global maritime hub and support technological innovation and workforce development.
Speaking at the Ministry of Transport’s Committee of Supply 2026 Debate, Mr Pillai noted that Singapore will also continue to work with international partners to establish Green and Digital Shipping Corridors, initiatives intended to help the industry collectively develop technologies, infrastructure, and standards to promote a more sustainable and connected maritime ecosystem.
The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) is leading the development of the Maritime Singapore Master Plan, which will feature a new innovation track under the Maritime Cluster Fund Business Development scheme.
This initiative will provide funding and increased access to R&D expertise for companies that establish innovation desks or corporate venture capital functions in Singapore.
Later this year, MPA will also expand trials of Unmanned Surface Vessels (USVs). These vessels operate autonomously using AI sensors and real-time data transmission to enhance maritime surveillance and hydrographic operations.
“We are growing Singapore as a centre for maritime technology, innovation and R&D,” said Mr Pillai, noting that the plan aims to establish Singapore as a leader in maritime innovation, including the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
For maritime workforce development, Mr Pillai emphasised the role of digital tools in career progression. “We will use technology to help each one of us in the maritime sector do more, and create rewarding jobs,” he said.
The Minister also announced the expansion of the Singapore Maritime Digital Twin, a dynamic virtual model of the port launched last year. The platform will now be opened to industry partners to test new products, such as tools to optimise ship supply services and models to enhance incident response for oil spills.
As technology adoption increases, Singapore plans to up its investment in maritime security, with the MPA introducing programmes to strengthen cybersecurity training, which include the use of a shipboard technology testbed to train Vessel Traffic Management (VTM) officers.
Looking forward, MPA intends to formalise the Maritime Singapore Master Plan by 2027, following a period of engagement with a local industry panel, Unions, and the public.
