1. Home
  2. News
  3. Singapore invests more than 85 million euros in maritime research to accelerate port innovation

Sectors & markets

Singapore invests more than 85 million euros in maritime research to accelerate port innovation

Acting Transport Minister Jeffrey Siow speaking at the opening of Singapore Maritime Week, held at Suntec Singapore Convention and Exhibition Centre, on April 21.

ST PHOTO: GAVIN FOO

More than USD 100 million (approximately 85 million euros) will be set aside over the next five years to fund maritime research and development under a new blueprint that focuses on autonomous port operations, alternative fuels and smart ships. Announced at Singapore Maritime Week, the roadmap is meant to turn research into practical solutions that can be deployed across the industry, while also improving digital technologies, supporting decarbonization, and better integrating port and shipping operations. It also takes into account structural pressures such as labor needs and limited space both on land and at sea. 

A key part of the plan is OCEANS-X, a new platform that will allow secure data exchange between regulators, port operators, shipping lines and international partners. By connecting maritime systems more directly, it should reduce friction in operations, speed up port clearance, cut errors, and make trade flows smoother. The platform can also support real-time sharing of vessel data and the direct transmission of documents and certificates needed for port clearance, helping ships call at Singapore more efficiently. 

The sector is also facing growing pressure from cyberthreats and the rapid rise and adoption of artificial intelligence. At the same time, disruptions in global shipping routes have made resilience, diversification and stronger international coordination even more important. Singapore is therefore doubling down on cooperation through the IMO while pushing the industry toward safer, more digital and more sustainable shipping models. 

More news