The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and Republic Polytechnic (RP) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a specialised Unmanned Aircraft (UA) Pilot Training programme for MPA UA pilots, which will also provide internship opportunities for RP students. 

This initiative aims to equip MPA, as well as commercial UA pilots, with advanced competencies to operate drones for maritime applications. These include inspection of vessel structures, monitoring of vessel emissions, and supporting emergency response efforts.

The course will cover essential skills, including take-off and landing from vessels, emergency procedures at sea, and Beyond Visual Line of Sight operations. UA pilots will also be trained to operate drones equipped with various sensor payloads such as electro-optics, infrared, and multispectral imaging. Tethered drone operations, which enable extended flight times for surveillance and monitoring, will also be included.

Under this five-year collaboration arrangement, MPA and RP plan to develop competency frameworks for UA pilots operating at sea, and will train over 20 MPA UA pilots annually. The collaboration will also explore the potential development of a maritime-specific qualification for UA pilots for interested parties. The training will be conducted by RP’s team of full-time lecturers who are also certified UA Pilot Licence trainers.

Through this partnership, RP students have internship opportunities with MPA, and can explore potential career pathways as UA pilots and watch supervisors coordinating the deployment of unmanned systems for port operations and maritime safety. 

RP lecturers and students will also have opportunities to gain industry exposure and practical experience through participation in MPA’s upcoming drone-related projects. In addition, RP will work with MPA in relevant committees and forums to shape policies, safety standards, and regulations for maritime drone operations.

In 2025, MPA will trial new drone capabilities, including coordinated drone operations for chemical spill management and the Maritime Drones Traffic Management System to ensure safety in port waters. 

The Maritime Drone Estate, launched in 2021, will also be expanded to support commercial drone services such as remote inspections and shore-to-ship deliveries. These advancements will contribute to safer, more fuel-efficient, and sustainable maritime operations.

Photo credit: Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore
Published: 28 March, 2025

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) on Wednesday (26 March) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with several partners to promote knowledge-sharing initiatives and explore geospatial technologies to address real-world challenges in the republic. 

Partners will explore the use of geospatial tools to develop solutions to strengthen preparedness, monitor sea level rise, and improve the safety and efficiency of port operations, such as vessel navigation, marine services and the bunkering of alternative fuels.

MPA signed a three-year MOU with Jurong Port, Singapore Cruise Centre Private Limited, Esri Singapore, Hexagon’s Safety Infrastructure and Geospatial Division, Nika, Technology Centre for Offshore and Marine, Singapore (TCOMS), A*STAR Institute of High Performance Computing (A*STAR IHPC) and the Centre of Excellence in Modelling and Simulation for Next Generation Ports (C4NGP) in the College of Design and Engineering of the National University of Singapore (NUS).

Geospatial tools use location-based data such as satellite images, traffic and weather data, and sensor readings from buoys and on land to create 2D and 3D visual insights. 

These can help stakeholders monitor real-time conditions, manage risks, and plan operations more effectively by improving risk management and decision-making, and enhancing operational planning for improved safety and efficiency. 

MPA also signed a three-year MOU with NUS to develop a skilled maritime geospatial workforce. 

Under this partnership, MPA and NUS will explore the development of maritime geospatial courses for NUS undergraduate and post-graduate geography students, and a professional certification programme for mid-career professionals. 

The maritime geospatial programmes will cover skills in 2D and 3D mapping, geospatial analytics, and advanced environmental and operations modelling. This will build a pipeline of talent equipped with the skills and knowledge to drive maritime geospatial innovation in the industry and government.

Photo credit: Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore
Published: 28 March, 2025

PSA International (PSA), DNV Singapore (DNV) and Pacific International Lines (PIL) on Thursday (27 March) said they have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on carbon emission measurement, reporting and verification (MRV), and jointly develop sustainable solutions to advance decarbonisation in the maritime and logistics sectors.

Amidst the growing demand for transparency in sustainability reporting, there is an increasing need for the exchange of reliable and harmonised data across value chains. Paired with robust data assurance, reductions in logistics emissions can then be accurately measured for greater supply chain emissions visibility.

As part of the MoU, PSA will leverage its global network of ports, logistics nodes and intermodal solutions and partner with PIL, the largest Singapore-grown carrier in Southeast Asia with extensive networks in Asia, Africa, Middle East, Latin America and Oceania, to create end-to-end green supply chains. 

Both companies will also capitalise on DNV’s suite of digital solutions to help the maritime industry create a robust data ecosystem, enabling digital assurance.

Being leaders in their respective fields, all the partners will cooperate to catalyse meaningful change and accelerate the adoption of low-carbon solutions to facilitate more efficient and sustainable global trade flows.

Antony M DSouza, Senior Vice President & Regional Manager, Southeast Asia, Pacific and India, DNV Maritime, said, “The maritime industry is at a crucial juncture where collaboration and digital innovation must go hand in hand to drive meaningful sustainability. To achieve real progress, we must not only leverage emerging digital technologies but also build trust through robust measurement and verification.”

“Through this partnership with PSA and PIL, we are committed to developing strong MRV capabilities that enhance transparency, enable data driven decisions, and accelerate the transition to greener supply chains. Together, we are shaping a future where sustainable trade becomes the industry norm, delivering lasting benefits for businesses, communities, and the environment.”

PSA Group Head of Operations and Sustainability, Eddy Ng, said: “As a leading global port operator and trusted partner to cargo stakeholders, PSA is well positioned to catalyse sustainable transformation in the ports and supply chain ecosystem by leveraging our global network of strategic nodes and energy hubs, in line with our Node to Network strategy.”

“This partnership with DNV and PIL reflects our belief that the path to a greener maritime industry is paved through collaboration, innovation, and a shared vision for a sustainable tomorrow. We remain dedicated to pioneering solutions that integrate sustainability into global trade flows while delivering the highest standards of operational excellence.”

Lionel Patrice Chatelet, Chief Commercial Officer, PIL, said: “PIL is fully committed to achieving net zero GHG emissions by 2050. This partnership with PSA and DNV strongly advances our proactive approach to developing and implementing low-carbon solutions.”

“Through this MOU, we will collaborate to develop a viable model for tracking and verifying supply chain GHG emissions reductions, leading to the development of Green Service Offerings (GSOs) that can help our customers better understand and lower their emissions footprint. Together, we aim to further digitalise processes, enhance data transparency and drive the sustainable decarbonisation of our industry.”

Photo credit: PSA International
Published: 28 March, 2025