Singapore has launched OCEANS-X, a new data and Application Programming Interface (API) eXchange platform developed by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) which enables secure system-to-system connectivity across the maritime ecosystem, allowing maritime companies and government agencies to exchange trusted data directly.

This in turn enables integrated digital services for better service delivery, more efficient port operations, smoother trade flows, and stronger connectivity with global ports. 

MPA noted that Ooe of the first services available on OCEANS-X is digital port clearance.

Today, ship masters and agents submit port clearance documents through the portal-based digitalPORT@SGTM.

"With OCEANS-X, shipping companies and agents can now connect their in-house or third-party systems directly to the OCEANS-X platform, for data required for port clearance applications to be transmitted directly to MPA digital platforms," MPA said.

"This saves time, reduces errors, and enables ships to call at the Port of Singapore more efficiently."

OCEANS-X also enables the electronic exchange of ship certificates between Singapore and its partner ports, including those we have established Green and Digital Shipping Corridors with — providing port authorities a more secure and authoritative basis for certificate verification, and streamlines port clearances by reducing reliance on paper documents and manual checks. This strengthens port-to-port connectivity and coordination across global supply chains.

OCEANS-X currently hosts over 100 APIs and datasets, and will support a wider range of digital services over time.

MPA noted that industry players and startups are welcome to "develop, integrate and deploy new services, including analytics and AI-enabled tools on this platform." At the same time, academia and members of the public can access and use the maritime datasets that have been made public, for research and innovation.