The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) has won the 2019 Innovation Excellence Award, affirming its innovation capabilities to drive transformation in the maritime sector. It is also testament to the robust partnerships MPA has forged with the port operators, industry associations, companies, research institutes such as the Singapore Maritime Institute, institutes of higher learning, unions and the Singapore Maritime Foundation over the years to build a thriving maritime eco-system that consists of a global hub port and an international maritime centre. Ms Quah Ley Hoon, Chief Executive of MPA received the award from Mr Chan Chun Sing, Minister for Trade and Industry at the 25th Business Excellence Awards ceremony held 08 October 2019.
“By adopting innovation as a core value, we were accompanied by a host of like-minded partners in Maritime Singapore. Even as our industry faces ongoing challenges in terms of greater disruption, digitalisation and decarbonisation, we remained steadfast in our common goal for Singapore: to be an active contributor to the global shipping industry, keep maritime trade open, and provide good jobs for future generations of Singaporeans for a vibrant maritime sector. For this, we are thankful for the support of our various partners,” said Ms Quah.
An example of how MPA fosters a vibrant, partnership-driven innovation ecosystem is the MPA Living Lab. It consists of both a digital space and a physical presence called “Maritime Innovation Lab”, launched in April 2019 to fast-track co-innovation in technological solutions for the industry. It is currently host to 17 organisations, including ST Engineering, Keppel Offshore and Marine, Kongsberg, Wartsila, A*STAR, maritime companies and local universities, all working together to ensure the future readiness of our sea port.
Another example to encourage the technology start-up community to collaborate with the maritime industry and take the sector forward, Port Innovation Ecosystem Reimagined @ Block71 (PIER 71) was established by MPA in partnership with NUS Enterprise in June 2018.
Beyond technological innovations, innovative engineering fittings were used in the construction of Singapore’s Next Generation Port at Tuas. The all-in-one rock mount construction vessel “TEMAROCK”, designed with partners Surbana Jurong and DIAP-Daelim, automates several reclamation process to achieve safer operations, reduction in material wastage and manpower costs, and cost savings.
