Connect with us

Business

SMW 2026: 10th Smart Port Challenge expands support to scale maritime start-ups

MPA and NUS Enterprise have launched the 10th edition of the PIER71 SPC, with expanded support to help maritime start-ups scale, secure funding, and deploy their solutions.

Admin

Published

on

SMW 2026: 10th Smart Port Challenge expands support to scale maritime start-ups

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and NUS Enterprise, the entrepreneurial heart of the National University of Singapore, on Wednesday (22 April) launched the 10th edition of the PIER71 Smart Port Challenge (SPC) at Singapore Maritime Week (SMW) 2026, with expanded support to help maritime start-ups scale, secure funding, and deploy their solutions.

Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Law and Ministry of Transport, Mr Murali Pillai, MPA Chief Executive, Mr Ang Wee Keong, and NUS Enterprise Vice President (Ecosystem Building), Professor Benjamin Tee officiated at the launch. The event drew over 200 international start-ups, investors and industry partners, reflecting continued global interest in Singapore as a platform for maritime innovation. Please refer to Annex A for the launch programme.

Since 2018, PIER71 has supported some 170 start-ups, which have collectively raised over SGD 150 million in funding. One example is SPC alumnus Groundup.ai which uses artificial intelligence to predict equipment failures and optimise asset performance. The company has since scaled across Asia and the Middle East, securing SGD 5.4 million in Series A funding following an initial SGD 2.3 million seed round.

Building on nearly a decade of developing early-stage start-ups, this year’s SPC introduces two new initiatives – Mentors-in-Residence Plus (MIR+) and Venture2Capital – to strengthen commercialisation and growth.

MIR+ pairs start-ups looking to scale with experienced maritime professionals and overseas accelerator partners to support market entry and expansion. Venture2Capital strengthens access to funding by connecting start-ups with investors and providing structured training and support for fundraising. These initiatives will extend PIER71’s role beyond early-stage acceleration to supporting start-ups in scaling and entering new markets.

In addition, MPA has recently introduced an innovation track under the Maritime Cluster Fund – Business Development scheme. This aims to anchor maritime companies’ innovation, technology, and venture-building capabilities in Singapore, encouraging them to scale from Singapore while contributing to a vibrant and globally connected maritime ecosystem.

SPC will expand its global outreach in 2026 through targeted engagement in key markets. These include China, France, India, the Netherlands, South Korea, Spain, the UK, and the USA. These engagements will connect start-ups with investors and maritime partners, while showcasing opportunities in Singapore’s maritime ecosystem.

Applications for SPC 2026 are now open. The programme will introduce 20 innovation opportunities across four areas — Next-Generation Port, Smart Shipping, Maritime Green Technologies, and Digitalisation, supported by 19 innovation partners, with more expected to join. 

Under Maritime Green Technologies, one of the innovation opportunities include examining approaches to help shipowners and operators quantify, verify, and manage emissions exposure in near real time to respond effectively to carbon pricing, regulatory reporting, and commercial accountability. 

Shortlisted start-ups will undergo a 10-week SPC Accelerate programme, which provides tailored mentorship, workshops and opportunities for market validation. Cash prizes will be awarded to top-performing start-ups at the SPC 2026 Grand Finale on 11 November 2026, with thematic prizes sponsored by companies including ABS, OCBC, PSA Singapore & PSA Ventures, and RINA.

Following the programme, start-ups may apply for MPA’s Maritime Innovation and Technology (MINT) Fund to support proof-of-concept, pilot projects and product development. The fund has supported 68 start-ups, with over 30 innovative technologies deployed in the maritime sector.

Mr Ang Wee Keong, MPA’s Chief Executive, said, “As SPC enters its 10th edition, the focus is not just on generating new ideas, but helping start-ups scale and deliver real impact. By strengthening connections between start-ups, industry and investors, we are supporting more solutions to move from pilots to deployment, and strengthening Singapore’s position as a platform for maritime innovation.”

Dr Tan Sian Wee, NUS Senior Vice President (Innovation & Enterprise), said, “The key challenge in maritime innovation is not building solutions, but ensuring these can be deployed at scale. Since 2018, PIER71 has supported nearly 170 start-ups, which have collectively raised over SGD 150 million in funding. 

“This is a good start, but more will be done to help these companies overcome barriers to adoption and expand into global markets. With Mentors-in-Residence Plus and Venture2Capital, we are bringing start-ups closer to industry and investors, strengthening support for their international growth.”

Note: Applications for SPC 2026 are open at https://pier71.sg until 15 June 2026. For the full list of innovation opportunities, see Annex B.           

 

Photo credit: PIER71
Published: 22 April, 2026

Continue Reading

Technology

Singapore: MPA working with industry on next phase of digital bunkering, says Deputy CE

‘We are now working with industry on the next phase, trialling capabilities to further strengthen the integrity and quality of bunker data shared between stakeholders and MPA,’ says David Foo.

Admin

Published

on

By

Swapnil Bapat on Unsplash

Secure systems, trusted data and reliable digital services are becoming as important to maritime operations as physical infrastructure, said Mr David Foo, Deputy Chief Executive (Operations & Technology), Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), on Thursday (10 September). 

In his opening keynote speech at APPEC 2026 Shipping And Bunker Conference, Foo said OCEANS-X, Digital Bunkering and the Maritime Digital Twin are enabling trusted data sharing, better operational planning and the testing of new digital solutions.

Foo said since 2025, digital bunkering has strengthened the efficiency and transparency of bunker operations. 

“We are now working with industry on the next phase, trialling capabilities to further strengthen the integrity and quality of bunker data shared between stakeholders and MPA.” he said.

He also said MPA is taking a forward-looking approach to the energy transition.

“Over the coming decades, we are likely to see the most diverse marine fuel mix in shipping’s history. There may not be a single fuel of the future.”

“Our role as a global bunkering hub is therefore not to determine which fuel will prevail. Our role is to ensure that whichever fuels the industry adopts, Singapore is ready – with the infrastructure, standards and operational capabilities to support them.”

Foo said MPA is making concrete progress across the major alternative fuel pathways with the issuance of methanol bunkering licences and the commencement of methanol bunkering operations. 

“For ammonia, we are developing the regulatory and operational frameworks needed to support future commercial deployment. We are also facilitating greater use of sustainable biofuels,” he said.

At the same time, MPA continues to expand its LNG bunkering ecosystem, with additional licences issued this year. 

“This will broaden supply options as more LNG-fuelled vessels enter the global fleet. We have also just updated our LNG standards, while maintaining the high standards of safety and reliability that underpin Singapore’s reputation as a trusted bunkering hub,” Foo added.

Related: MPA Chief Executive: Port of Singapore begins digital bunkering initiative today
Related: Singapore: Golden Island, GET, and PetroChina to receive methanol bunkering licences
Related: Singapore: Equatorial Marine Fuel among eight selected for new LNG bunkering licences
Related: Singapore strengthens LNG bunkering framework with new SS 727 standard

 

Photo credit: Swapnil Bapat on Unsplash
Published: 10 September, 2026

Continue Reading

Financial Result

Singapore-based Uni-Fuels H1 2026 net income jumps 1,415% to USD 1.4 million

Company delivered record first-half financial results, achieving its highest first-half revenue, gross profit, income from operations, net income and EBITDA since its inception.

Admin

Published

on

By

Uni-Fuels logo

Uni-Fuels Holdings Limited (Uni-Fuels), a global provider of marine fuel solutions headquartered in Singapore, on Wednesday (9 September) announced its unaudited interim financial results for the first half of 2026, ending on 30 June.

The company delivered record first-half financial results, achieving its highest first-half revenue, gross profit, income from operations, net income and EBITDA since its inception.

The company’s net income increased 1,415% to USD 1.4 million for the first half of 2026, compared to USD 0.1 million in the corresponding period of 2025.

Revenue increased 72% year-over-year to USD 197.1 million, from USD 114.6 million in the corresponding period of 2025 while gross profit also increased 158% year-over-year to USD 5.3 million, from USD 2.1 million in the corresponding period of 2025.

Gross profit margin expanded to 2.7% in the first half of 2026, from 1.8% in the corresponding period of 2025, representing a 50% improvement. 

For its 2026 outlook, the company is raising its full-year 2026 revenue guidance to a range of USD 340 million to USD 360 million, from its previous guidance range of USD 320 million to USD 340 million, reflecting stronger-than-expected first-half performance and continued commercial momentum.

Koh Kuan Hua, Chief Executive Officer of Uni-Fuels, said: “Our first-half 2026 results demonstrate the strength of our commercial execution and the agility of our business model.” 

“As geopolitical developments and market volatility continued to influence global oil markets, we remained focused on delivering reliable supply solutions and value-added services to our customers. 

“Our ability to respond quickly to changing market dynamics while maintaining disciplined execution contributed to significant improvements in revenue, profitability and operating performance. 

“We believe this momentum positions us well for the remainder of the year, as reflected in our increased full-year 2026 revenue guidance of USD 340 million to USD 360 million.”

 

Photo credit: Uni-Fuels
Published: 10 September, 2026

Continue Reading

Incident

Peninsula confirms one fatality, crew member missing from bunker tanker “Hercules Star”

Firm says one member of the crew is missing following an incident whilst at anchorage off Dubai and a specialist team is working to locate them.

Admin

Published

on

By

bunker tanker Hercules Star

Marine fuels supplier Peninsula on Wednesday (9 September) confirmed that its bunker tanker Hercules Star was involved in an incident whilst at anchorage off Dubai.

“It is with deep sadness and regret that we confirm one fatality. Peninsula is in contact with their family and providing all the necessary support at this time,” the company said in a statement.

“In addition, one member of the crew is missing and a specialist team is working to locate them. All other crew members are accounted for.”

The company added it is working with all relevant parties to monitor developments.

“This is an ongoing incident and updates will be issued in due course when we have more details,” Peninsula added. 

According to a Reuters report citing preliminary assessments by maritime security sources, the vessel may have been struck by a drone.

The report also said the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) received a report of a vessel listing while at anchor about 24 nautical miles off the UAE’s Port Rashid, with the condition “possibly indicating water ingress following an attack from an unknown projectile”.

 

Photo credit: Peninsula
Published: 10 September, 2026

Continue Reading

Trending