The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and technology group, Wärtsilä, has partnered to collaborate on accelerating maritime decarbonisation and digitalisation in the shipping industry.

MPA said the partnership is aimed at collaborating in mutually beneficial areas to enable the introduction of next-generation renewable fuels, optimise digital port operations, and develop future talent. 

Under the MoU, MPA and Wärtsilä will explore renewable fuel technologies and seek partnerships with various stakeholders to develop green fuel safety concepts and procedures to ensure the safe handling and operation of future fuels. Insights gained will then support the development of global standards for maritime fuel safety. 

The parties will also seek to make port operations more efficient by developing reliable, secure, and cost-effective data exchanges between vessels and port operations.

MPA noted that sharing of data at scale, including real-time data, has the potential of unlocking insights to optimise port and vessel operations such as Just-in-Time planning. It can also greatly enhance data-based value generation, including the development of new capabilities and operational processes.

"The development of an operational concept for vessels and harbour craft utilising AI-based monitoring, tracking, and incident response, is also planned. Big data from Wärtsilä's Navi-Port system, MPA's digital platforms and other relevant sources will be at the core of the algorithms to power the AI," the announcement said.

MPA and Wartsila will also collaborate on assessing cyber threats and risks to shipboard systems, ship-shore system communications and MPA's digital platforms.

"As a major bunkering and a maritime hub port supported by a robust R&D and start-up ecosystem, Singapore is at the heart of marine tech innovation and at an exciting phase for the potential introduction of maritime fuels such as methanol, hydrogen and its derivatives such as ammonia," said Kenneth Lim, assistant chief executive (Industry and Transformation), MPA.

"MPA looks forward to our partnership with Wartsila to unlock our collective potential and develop solutions that can be scaled to benefit the global maritime community," he added.

Roger Holm, president, of Wärtsilä Marine Power and executive vice president, said over the years, the company have established a "strong relationship" with MPA, having worked together on various projects aimed at boosting efficiencies and sustainability.

"This collaboration elevates Wartsila Voyage's previous MOU with MPA and includes new impactful areas in decarbonisation and talent development. The partnership will promote innovation and accelerate the industry’s transition to new cleaner fuels and the adoption of the latest technologies," Holm added, noting that by working in close cooperation with all relevant stakeholders and qualified partners, Wärtsilä and MPA are making a "concerted effort to create more efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable maritime operations."