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

ABS is investing in the expansion of its services to build on its position and ensure it is well-placed to meet the growing needs of the marine and offshore industries. That was the message for maritime pioneers from across the region at the annual ABS Southeast Asia Regional Committee meeting. “Our safety-driven mission continues to serve us well, and we are building on this strong foundation by investing in widening and deepening the scope of our class services,” said Christopher J. Wiernicki, ABS Chairman and CEO.  Simulation, visualisation, and gaming “We are leveraging our deep domain expertise and industry relationships to create new growth opportunities and value for our clients while guarding against the unintended consequences of the rapid and disruptive change we are witnessing in our industry." "At the same time, we are focused on developing people, investing in next-generation learning environments using simulation, visualisation, and gaming technologies to deal with the emerging challenges of fuel safety and increased cyber-enabled physical systems.”​ Fleet safety performance The ABS fleet has grown to 300 million gross tons and has secured the number-one position The committee heard ABS is the Class in Singapore for the marine and offshore industries, with a fleet and orderbook position. Wiernicki also updated the members on ABS’ industry-pioneering fleet safety performance, which underpins its focus on safety and its mission. The ABS fleet has grown to 300 million gross tons and has secured the number-one position in the global order book share. Maritime decarbonisation projects “Singapore is so important to ABS. We are the market pioneer here and we serve this with one of the largest offices in the company,” said Wiernicki. “It is also home to the new global ABS Electrification centre to support maritime decarbonisation projects." Sustainability and simulation centre "Additionally, Singapore is home to one of the five global ABS Sustainability centres and the ABS Global Simulation centre that provides clients with a virtual representation of an asset that ABS engineers use to analyse, configure, and test safely and cost-effectively.” Wiernicki, who has strong ties to Singapore as a visiting professor at the National University of Singapore and a member of Singapore’s Maritime International Advisory Panel, had earlier participated in the Singapore Maritime Foundation’s New Year Kickoff event. Green and digital transformation Teo Eng Dih, Chief Executive, of the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), who was the guest of honour at the event, said, “ABS’ strong presence in Singapore reflects ABS’ commitment to helping international shipping navigate the green and digital transformation and underscore its trust in Singapore’s role as a strategic hub for the maritime industry." "MPA values its partnership with ABS and invites others to also tap into Singapore’s vibrant industry and innovation ecosystem to grow their capabilities, enhance their services, and advance the maritime sector.” Exchanging and engaging ideas The Committee also heard about the limitations on retrofit capacity in shipyards, as well as a detailed fuel forecast from ABS sustainability pioneers and the competition for alternative fuels from industries outside shipping. Other presentations covered the latest developments from ABS Wavesight and highlights from more than 100 joint development projects in a range of advanced technologies. Committee chairman, Captain Rajalingam Subramaniam, CEO, of Fleet Management Limited, said, “My thanks to ABS for connecting us, bringing this esteemed group of colleagues together to exchange ideas and engage in constructive discussions to support innovative solutions and forward progress in the maritime industry.” 

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.