Singapore Maritime Sector Gets S$100 Million Boost and New AI Adoption Drive

Prime Highlights :

Singapore commits over S$100 million in maritime R&D over five years, focusing on autonomous ports, smart ships, and alternative energy.
MPA and SSA signed an MOU to accelerate AI adoption in maritime operations, with 21 companies already in early training.

Key Facts :

SMI is a maritime industry think tank jointly set up by MPA, A*STAR, and the Singapore Economic Development Board.
The roadmap builds on a 2019 plan and addresses key challenges including manpower constraints and land and sea space limitations.

Background :

Singapore’s Maritime and Port Authority (MPA) and the Singapore Maritime Institute (SMI) unveiled a new national maritime technology and research roadmap at Singapore Maritime Week 2026, alongside a fresh partnership to drive artificial intelligence adoption across the sector.

The Singapore Maritime Technology and Research Roadmap builds on a previous plan established in 2019 and targets four key areas: autonomous port operations, safe delivery of alternative energy, smart ships, and intelligent port services. More than S$100 million will be invested in research and development across these areas over the next five years.

The roadmap prioritises digital technologies, decarbonisation, and operational integration to strengthen productivity and innovation in Singapore’s maritime ecosystem. It also addresses structural challenges, including manpower constraints and limitations on land and sea space. Industry and research stakeholders were consulted during its development, including through a workshop held in 2025 that helped define near, medium, and long-term priorities. The roadmap will be made available as an e-book.

Separately, MPA and the Singapore Shipping Association (SSA) signed a memorandum of understanding to accelerate AI adoption among maritime companies in ship agency, ship management, chartering, and bunkering operations. Companies will gain access to a knowledge base of maritime AI use cases, connect with solution providers, and pilot AI tools within their own operations.

Training programmes are already underway, with 21 companies participating in the initial runs. A wider rollout is expected later this year. Companies can also use AI Singapore’s AI Readiness Index to assess their preparedness for adoption.