Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) - Experts & Thought Leaders

On 26 September 2024, the Hamburg Port Authority (HPA) and the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) signed a letter of intent in the presence of Hamburg’s First Mayor - Dr. Peter Tschentscher to intensify their cooperation in the areas of digitalisation, decarbonisation and cyber security. HPA and MPA sign letter of intent The letter of intent, signed by Jens Meier, CEO of the HPA, and Teo Eng Dih, Chief Executive of the MPA, marks the beginning of a strategic partnership between the two port authorities. The aim is to develop joint projects and initiatives to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of both ports. Cooperation to focus on pilot projects Both ports intend to formalise the cooperation through further agreements The cooperation could focus on pilot projects to facilitate efficient port calls between the ports of Hamburg and Singapore, exchange information on the introduction of zero emission fuels or facilitate the exchange of cyber security information. Both ports intend to formalise the cooperation through further agreements. Jointly develop innovative solutions Jens Meier, CEO of the HPA, said “The signing of this letter of intent with the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore is another important step towards a sustainable and digitalised future for our ports.” Jens Meier adds, “By sharing knowledge and technologies, we can jointly develop innovative solutions that not only increase the efficiency of our port operations, but also make an important contribution to decarbonisation and cyber security.”

Ocean Infinity has achieved a groundbreaking milestone in maritime innovation, receiving a Statement of Compliance (SOC) from DNV for its revolutionary remotely supported vessel operations. The approval from DNV, the classification society, establishes Ocean Infinity as the industry's first organisation to reach the required standard of technology and operations for large vessels and permits the beginning of onshoring marine-related tasks and activities. Statement of Compliance This high-profile presentation highlights the industry-wide significance of Ocean Infinity's pioneering work The significance of this achievement was underscored at SMM in Hamburg, the world's largest maritime trade fair, where DNV formally presented the Statement of Compliance to Ocean Infinity. This high-profile presentation highlights the industry-wide significance of Ocean Infinity's pioneering work. Innovation and technology Oliver Plunkett, CEO of Ocean Infinity, stated, "Since we started the business, Ocean Infinity has been about innovation, technology, and pushing the boundaries in the maritime industry. This is a significant achievement for the team. My congratulations go to them all, as well as those who have worked with them and contributed at DNV and Vard, our shipbuilder."  Technology-driven progress Oliver Plunkett continues, "As we deliver our services to our customers, we are continually balancing the need for technology-driven progress with safely bringing them solutions." He adds, "Our approach is to pioneer with speed but not haste, becoming the first organisation to receive this Statement of Compliance is a testament to that. I am looking forward to watching as we begin to put our ideas of onshoring marine activities and tasks into practice." Addressing costs and sustainable challenges Ocean Infinity's achievement addresses pressing industry challenges, such as rising operational costs Ocean Infinity's achievement addresses pressing industry challenges, such as rising operational costs and the need for sustainable operations and an inclusive workforce. The successful implementation of remote vessel technology bringing maritime work into the office, not only demonstrates its feasibility and safety, but also sets the stage for widespread future adoption, transforming global shipping practices. Fully autonomous and remote operation "The journey towards fully autonomous and remote operation of vessels is gathering pace, and DNV is very proud to be the class partner Ocean Infinity has entrusted to accompany them on their journey," says Jarle Coll Blomhoff, Head of Digital Ship Systems at DNV. Jarle Coll Blomhoff adds, "By proceeding step-by-step, beginning by moving some functions to a remote centre, and ensuring that these innovations are built on a foundation of expertise and trusted assurance, Ocean Infinity is helping the industry to move forward with confidence. That is why we are so pleased to have awarded them the first fleet-wide Statement of Compliance with the DNV-CG-0264 Autonomous and remotely operated ships guideline for the first phase of Ocean Infinity’s onshoring plans." Remote marine operations Jarle Coll Blomhoff continues, "This is an achievement that has also been acknowledged by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA). We are looking forward to continuing the journey with Ocean Infinity and MPA towards full autonomous and remote vessel operation." The next two of Ocean Infinity’s vessels to be upgraded to meet the new standard are in their final stages of testing, while at the same time, the team is already working on the next phase of its remote marine operations programme. Key achievements DNV Statement of Compliance for the remotely supported operational concept for the Armada 78 fleet of offshore survey vessels. DNV Statement of Compliance for Armada 78 03, the first vessel in the Armada fleet to complete the upgrade and verification process. Interim Acknowledgement from the Maritime and Port Authority (MPA) to commence operations worldwide with Navigators and Engineers working from an ashore ROC to lend additional support to the on-board crews and reduce their workload.

The largest-ever Asia Pacific Maritime (APM) 2024 opened across six halls of the Sands Expo & Convention Centre in Singapore. This three-day exhibition and conference features over 15,000 global brands on the floor and 150 conference speakers from some of the maritime industry's key pioneers in the region and beyond. The opening ceremony was officiated by Kenneth Lim, Assistant Chief Executive (Industry & Transformation), Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA). Sustainable development In his welcome address, Yeh Chien Ee, President, of Asia Pacific, RX Global, said, "The world stands at a crossroads of sustainable development. Maritime is challenged to be fully decarbonised by 2050 which requires massive investments." "Beyond cleaner fuels, the industry also needs to move faster towards digital solutions like data analytics and further automation to improve efficiency as well as sustainability.” Free to attend exhibition He continued, “To support the ecosystem towards a future-ready world, access to APM conference and exhibition is offered free to all attendees." "This is also our humble way to thank you and give back to all our partners who have been so supportive of APM over close to 34 years, especially during the difficult pandemic years.”  APM 2024 theme Exhibition floor and conference sessions address the industry's urgent need for digitalisation, efficiency APM 2024, organised by RX Global, runs from today to Friday, 15 March 2024. With the theme 'Future of Vessels, Solutions for Tomorrow', the exhibition floor and conference sessions address the industry's urgent need for digitalisation, efficiency, and sustainability amid the increasingly complex maritime needs. For the conference, parallel tracks will run across two stages on the show floor to enable more comprehensive knowledge-sharing about the latest maritime trends and technologies.  APM 2024 Day 1 Highlights The conference sessions focused on Sustainability and Innovation & Digitalisation.  Super keynote panel Following the opening ceremony, a super keynote panel titled 'A Net Zero Carbon Maritime Industry – Will We Ever Get There?' tackled the industry's path towards net-zero emissions. The session, led by Kenneth Lim, delved into the challenges, opportunities, and ultimate feasibility of this ambitious goal. The panelists, consisting of pioneers from profiles such as ship owners, ship operators, and port authorities, highlighted that while for years we have been focusing on bunker fuels, currently, this is no longer the case.  Focus on circularity The panelists addressed the need for improvements in training and developments for seafarers There needs to be multi-solutions driven by the entire ecosystem. While they acknowledge the challenges currently faced by the industry, the panelists were largely optimistic that net zero is very much possible. Beyond focusing on alternative fuels, they addressed the need for improvements in training and developments for seafarers, frameworks for industry players to reference (such as Life Cycle Assessments), and the use of green steels to encourage circularity. Renewable energy scene for the maritime industry One of the sessions in the afternoon, titled ‘Indonesian Maritime Future Energy – Opportunities and Challenges’, zoomed in on Indonesia’s growing renewable energy scene for the maritime industry and highlighted the need to further improve technologies that will increase the capabilities of its shipbuilding industry. While there is currently a mandatory implementation of biofuels across the country, as well as growing popularity for LNG dual-fuels and energy storage systems, the session outlined the need for Indonesian maritime stakeholders to learn from global case studies, and for more subsidies that can further accelerate local adoption of renewable energy. A platform for international brands to convene On the exhibition floor, attendees can expect to see a wide range of international pavilions, 18 spread across two floors of the exhibition – the biggest APM has managed to host to date. WH17, a next-generation high-performing engine WH17 runs on Weichai’s autonomous ECU common rail system that allows for more accurate control to save fuel In particular, Weichai, one of the world's largest automobile and equipment manufacturers, revealed the WH17, its next-generation high-performing engine, to industry associations, engine distributors, and decision makers from Asia. Developed in 7 years and after 10,000 hours of R&D, WH17 runs on Weichai’s autonomous ECU common rail system that allows for more accurate control to save fuel and lower emissions.  High-end intelligent transformation At the launch, Weichai Chairman Tan Xuguang said, “Engines, as a core component of modern industry, bear the significant responsibility of driving societal progress." "Our latest masterpiece, the WH17, has impressive capabilities that propel the high-end intelligent transformation and upgrading of the shipping industry. We are honoured to introduce this cutting-edge technology that will provide higher value to our customers in Southeast Asia.”  More conversations to follow at APM 2024 Day 2 will consist of sessions driven by the latest market intelligence insights, focusing on more Innovation & Digitalisation topics, Maritime Insurance, and Cybersecurity. Key sessions include: ‘Forecasting Ship Charter Rates and Examining the Various Factors Influencing Them’ Helmed by Daejin Lee, Global Head of Research, at Fertistream, this session aims to offer a comprehensive perspective on ship charter rates amid the dynamic shifts experienced in the industry due to global economic trends geopolitical developments, and technological advancements.  'Is the Maritime Sector Struggling to Innovate?' The session aims to dissect the factors contributing to perceived barriers to innovation in the sector The session aims to dissect the factors contributing to perceived barriers to innovation in the sector and explore avenues to enhance a culture of innovation. Speakers include Arne K. Lian, Director, Innovation Norway; Claus Nehmzow, Global Technology Advisor; Dr. Maurizio Pilu, Managing Director, Safetytech Accelerator; Murthy Pasumarthy, Assistant Vice President, Technology & New Product Development, Seatrium; Nakul Malhotra, Vice President, Emerging Opportunities, Wilhelmsen; Tan Cheng Peng, Executive Director, Singapore Maritime Institute (SMI); Tarun Mehrotra, Chief Strategy Officer, RightShip.  Day 3 sessions With the increasing need to secure our maritime manpower and their well-being, Day 3 will spotlight Manpower & Training and Sustainability. Key sessions include:  'Developing a Future-Ready Workforce' The session aims to explore strategies, educational pathways, and skill development initiatives needed to cultivate a dynamic maritime workforce that meets the demands of the ever-evolving maritime sector. Insights will be provided by Alex Ponomarev, Sales Director APAC, Ocean Technologies Group; Ashish Mediratta, Head of Crewing, A.P. Moller Maersk; Elaine Yu Kai, Chairperson, Institute of Charterer Shipbroker & Senior Freight Charterer, South32 Marketing; Elias Heng, Freight Trader, Cargill Ocean Transportation (Singapore); Punit Oza, Founder, Maritime NXT & International Vice President, Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers. ‘Diversity and Inclusion in the Maritime Workforce: Forecasting a More Equitable and Inclusive Industry’ Organised by WISTA Singapore, the discussion will be led by an all-female panel consisting Christie Thane, Chartering Manager, Lauritzen Bulkers; Hollie Scoon, General Manager, Marine Operations & Performance, Rio Tinto Shipping Asia; Jean Chen, Client Success Leader – APAC, Signal Ocean; Dr. Mimi Gao, Managing Director, Sea & Gao; Mustika Wardani, APAC QHSE Manager, ABL Energy & Marine Consultants; Rotem Battat, Chief Product Officer; Captain’s Eye, Capt. Tan Lay Ying, Senior Watch Manager (Vessel Traffic Management), Maritime Port and Authority of Singapore.  They will uncover barriers faced by the underrepresented groups in the maritime industry and discuss strategies and initiatives to champion equity, diversity, and inclusion at leadership levels.