Port of Singapore Partners With Microsoft

The ‘digitalisation’ of the shipping industry continues apace, with the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) signing a memorandum of understanding with Microsoft to collaborate on the deployment of innovative technology. These technologies include cloud computing, artificial intelligence (AI), data analytics, robotics, and cybersecurity. 

Amongst the projects to be undertaken under the MoU include the piloting of AI and digital twins to optimise vessel route planning to enhance safety and reduce emissions. 

The MPA and Microsoft will also explore the port’s cybersecurity efforts, ‘supporting early detection of cyber threats and enabling companies to undertake timely actions. This will help uplift the cyber capabilities of maritime start-ups and enterprises’. 

Another project likely to be explored is the use of new digital solutions to aggregate demand and improve energy efficiency for shipping and port operations. As per a statement issued by MPA, ‘These solutions will include using Microsoft’s digital modelling and simulation tools, and analytics capabilities, as well as building spatial models to help inform policy and decision-making on climate risk assessment, mitigation, and adaptation measures’. 

Commenting on the memorandum of understanding, David Foo, MPA’s Assistant Chief Executive (Operations Technology), said: 

“MPA’s collaboration with Microsoft is a significant step towards strengthening Maritime Singapore’s digitalisation and sustainability efforts. 

MPA is pleased to work with the industry to create digital solutions and applications to address the key challenges in port operations and service delivery, safe navigation of ships, cybersecurity, and sustainability. 

The collaboration also supports goals for the maritime sector to innovate, reduce business costs and carbon emissions in alignment with the national and international emission targets”.

Foo’s comments were echoed by Lee Hui Li, Managing Director of Microsoft Singapore: 

“We are thrilled to embark on this transformative journey with MPA, leveraging Microsoft’s advanced technologies in cloud computing, AI, and cybersecurity to drive the digital and green transformation of the maritime industry. Together, we strive to establish new benchmarks in safety, efficiency, and sustainability, as we accelerate innovation for the global maritime sector”.

Brookes Bell Singapore

If you require maritime-related support for your shipping operations in Singapore, Brookes Bell can help. 

Our dedicated Singapore office plays host to a range of specialists including marine engineers, metallurgists, Master Mariners, fuel chemists, and scientists. 

Speak to Brookes Bell Singapore about our marine consultancy services now

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