The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and PSA Corporation (PSA) will collaborate further on developing next-generation technologies to enable Singapore’s future container terminals to accommodate larger ships and greater volumes.
The MPA and PSA signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) late last week extending their collaboration under the Port Technology Research and Development Programme (PTRDP).
Under the MOU, the two sides will continue R&D initiatives on new technologies that will increase the efficiency of operations at the Singapore port, especially at the planned container terminals.
The MPA will fund the program an additional S$15 million (US$12 million) over five years from the Maritime Innovation and Technology Fund, while PSA will provide up to S$15 million in co-funding over the same period, bringing the total amount to S$50 million, up from the initial S$20 million.
The program will continue to focus on port automation, intelligent planning and control systems, and green port solutions.
“With growing demands on ports to accommodate ever larger ships and growing amounts of cargo, it is imperative that we leverage on new technologies to increase our port efficiency and productivity,” MPA Chief Executive Andrew Tan said. “Through co-funding of such R&D efforts, we hope to see the adoption of new systems and technologies that will significantly enhance the competitiveness of Singapore as a global transhipment hub and bring benefits to the rest of the industry.”
Tan Puay Hin, regional CEO of Southeast Asia of PSA International, added: “PSA is pleased to continue this partnership with MPA, as we gear up for the development of the future terminals at Pasir Panjang Phases 3 and 4 as well as Tuas. The innovative technologies developed under the programme will transform our terminal operations, and take our productivity and process efficiency to new heights.”
In April 2011, MPA and PSA, along with technology providers, local academic institutes, and other companies, came together under the PTRDP to develop advanced technologies for Singapore’s container terminals.
The initial S$20 million funding earmarked under the PTRDP has since been parlayed into research and test-bedding projects on AGV systems, yard crane automation, and wharf automation.
Photo: Ash Kyd
