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SMW 2021: MPA unveils programs to step up Maritime Innovation in Singapore

MPA will push for wider industry adoption of digitalisation initiatives such as eBL and electronic bunker delivery notes to drive productivity for the sector.
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MPA Maritime Boost 1

A new Maritime Innovation and Technology (MINT) Fund grant scheme was announced by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) on Tuesday (20 April) at the 5th Singapore Maritime Technology Conference (SMTC). The grant will provide maritime technology start-ups in Singapore a leg-up to develop scalable solutions.

In addition, the MPA will push for wider industry adoption of digitalisation initiatives such as electronic bills of lading (eBL) and electronic bunker delivery notes (eBDN) to drive productivity for the sector.

These developments were announced on Tuesday itself by Chee Hong Tat, Senior Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Transport, at the SMTC. The SMTC is one of the key events organised in the Singapore Maritime Week 2021.

It was also announced that the MPA has allocated SGD 10 million (USD 7.5 million) from the MINT Fund to support the growth and development of maritime technology start-ups in Singapore. Under this expanded effort, MPA will also develop a digital technology marketplace and a start-up playbook.

The marketplace will connect maritime and venture capital companies with start-ups and facilitate discovery of solutions. The start-up playbook serves as a comprehensive guide for start-ups to springboard into Singapore tapping on schemes and support programmes relating to talent, capital and R&D resources.

As part of this endeavor, MPA will introduce a new grant scheme called MINT-STARTUP. Start-ups that have completed the PIER71 or relevant maritime acceleration programmes in Singapore can apply for a grant of up to SGD 50,000 to pilot their projects. Promising start-ups looking to scale up their offerings or projects can also apply for a project grant of up to SGD100,000.

PIER71 is a joint maritime innovation ecosystem between the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore and the National University of Singapore through its entrepreneurial arm, NUS Enterprise.

Additionally, MPA also announced the successful completion of an eBL trial which demonstrated the interoperability between different digital trade platforms.

In January 2021, Singapore and the Netherlands completed a shipment where an eBL “shadowed” a live shipment from Qui Nhon, Vietnam to Rotterdam, the Netherlands via transhipment in Singapore.

The trial showed that there were significant time savings in the BL documentation process from an average of six to ten days when using a hardcopy to less than 24 hours when using an eBL.

This successful trial also marks one of the first title transfers, across different digital platforms, which was facilitated by TradeTrust, an open-standard digital utility to enable interoperability.

To catalyse adoption of eBLs, MPA is issuing a call-for-proposal (CFP) to develop and pilot eBL solutions that are based on open standards and meeting the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) Model Law on Electronic Transferable Records (MLETR) framework.

Bringing together industry partners and solution providers, MPA noted the projects must be able to demonstrate benefits such as manpower savings and lowered fraud risk in commercial use cases. The Infocomm Media Development Authority and the Digital Container Shipping Association (DCSA) will be supporting this call.

MPA has also announced additions to the digitalOCEANS™ initiative focused on shaping and harmonising global data standards for maritime digitalisation. Senior Minister Chee welcomed the participation of DCSA, which will be joining MPA and other existing international partners in this key project.

As an industry body representing nine of the top container liners in the world and accounting for about 70% of the global container trade, DCSA will contribute cargo and vessel operational data standards, offering a boost towards interoperability of digital maritime platforms.

All partners will work on data harmonisation and target to jointly publish a set of API specifications for sharing across the international maritime community by end 2021.

This year’s SMTC also saw the signing of the 4th Memorandum of Understanding between MPA and PSA International on the Port Technology R&D programme. The programme aims to accelerate technology research, development and facilitate live trials in the areas of automated container port systems, advanced port optimisation techniques and green port technologies for application in existing container terminals and the new Tuas Port.

The programme will also uplift capabilities of the local port ecosystem including small and medium enterprises and research institutes. The MOU was signed at the SMTC by MPA Chief Executive, Quah Ley Hoon and PSA International Regional Chief Executive Officer (South East Asia), Ong Kim Pong, and witnessed by Senior Minister Chee and Niam Chiang Meng, Chairman, MPA and Tan Chong Meng, Group Chief Executive Officer, PSA International.

MPA also announced the extension of its Memorandum of Understanding with the Research Council of Norway (RCN) for an 8th term. Under the terms of the MOU, RCN and MPA will jointly support research in Maritime Digitalisation and Sustainable Shipping and organise the International Maritime-Port Technology and Development Conference.

This MOU will encourage maritime research institutes in Singapore and Norway to grow partnerships with maritime technology companies in both countries and to develop new capabilities.

This year’s SMTC takes place from Tuesday, 20 April to Thursday, 22 April and will be a hybrid conference featuring physical events at the Marina Bay Sands Convention Centre as well as virtual events taking place online.

The key focus of the conference is on critical issues facing the maritime industry, including industry transformation, digitalisation and decarbonisation, cyber resilience and the impact on ships and ports, as well as the growth of the start-ups in the sector and access to financing by industry players.

Close to 1,000 C-suite and senior executives from the maritime industry, R&D and tech community, start-up ecosystem and venture capitalists are expected to participate in the three-day conference both in-person and online.

More information on the CFP to develop eBL solutions is available here.  

MPA Maritime Boost 5

MPA Maritime Boost 4

As part of SMTC’s opening, a panel discussed Singapore’s vision for digital transformation, moderated by Quah Ley Hoon, Chief Executive, MPA.

MPA Maritime Boost 3

HE Anita Nergaard, Ambassador of Norway to Singapore and Mr Per Christer Lund, Science and Technology Counsellor, Innovation Norway, representing RCN.

MPA Maritime Boost 2

MOU was signed by MPA Chief Executive, Ms Quah Ley Hoon and PSA International Regional Chief Executive Officer (South East Asia), Mr Ong Kim Pong, and witnessed by Mr Chee and Mr Niam Chiang Meng, Chairman, MPA and Mr Tan Chong Meng, Group Chief Executive Officer, PSA International.


Photo credit: Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore
Published: 21 April, 2021

 

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Genevos and Koedood Marine Group team up on maritime hydrogen fuel cell deployment

Collaboration will explore how ready-to-use marine fuel cell systems can support shipowners and shipyards in the transition towards zero-emission operations.

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July 20, 2026

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Genevos and Koedood Marine Group team up on maritime hydrogen fuel cell deployment

Marine fuel cell systems provider Genevos recently said the company signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with engine supplier Koedood Marine Group to explore the deployment of hydrogen fuel cell systems for inland and coastal maritime transport. 

The LOI was signed by Phil Sharp, co-founder and CTO of Genevos, and Mühlheim, Business Development Director of Koedood Marine Group during the 2026 Advanced Maritime Technology Show in Amsterdam.

Building on Koedood’s proven experience in hydrogen maritime projects – including its ongoing work with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and TNO on hydrogen engine development – the collaboration will explore how ready-to-use marine fuel cell systems can support shipowners and shipyards in the transition towards zero-emission operations. 

“Koedood has a strong reputation in the maritime sector and a deep understanding of vessel operators’ needs. This LOI is an important step in exploring how Genevos’ hydrogen fuel cell systems can be deployed more widely across inland and maritime applications, helping shipowners reduce onboard emissions with robust, practical and scalable clean power solutions,” said Sharp.

The collaboration aligns with growing market demand for rapidly deployable hydrogen solutions and the wider need to accelerate the adoption of zero-emission technologies across the maritime sector. 

“With this collaboration, we are further strengthening our portfolio of maritime energy solutions. Together with Genevos, we are exploring how we can support our customers in the adoption of hydrogen technology,” said Mühlheim.

 

Photo credit: Genevos
Published: 20 July, 2026

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DNV awards TADC to Econowind for VentoFoil 3-Series

System actively harnesses wind power to generate forward thrust, helping to reduce bunker fuel consumption and mitigate FuelEU penalties.
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July 17, 2026

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DNV awards TADC to Econowind for VentoFoil 3-Series

Dutch wind-assisted propulsion technology firm Econowind on Wednesday (15 July) said it has received a Type Approval Design Certificate (TADC) from classification society DNV for its VentoFoil 3-Series boundary layer suction wing. 

The company said the certification confirms compliance with DNV’s ST-0511 standard for Wind-Assisted Propulsion Systems and enables easier integration of VentoFoils on DNV-classed vessels worldwide. 

Econowind added that the approval accelerates the deployment of wind propulsion across the shipping industry.

“DNV is one of the world’s leading classification societies. This TADC gives DNV-classed shipowners confidence that VentoFoils meet the highest industry standards,” said Chiel de Leeuw, Chief Commercial Officer at Econowind. 

“It simplifies the approval process for both retrofits and newbuilds. VentoFoils are ideal for late-stage design integration and retrofit projects. This is an important milestone for Econowind and for the wider adoption of wind-assisted ship propulsion.”

The 3-Series VentoFoil is Econowind’s best-selling suction wing to date, with over 150 units sold. The system actively harnesses wind power to generate forward thrust, helping to reduce fuel consumption and mitigate FuelEU penalties. The system includes a tilting foundation, allowing the wings to be tilted down during port operations or in adverse weather conditions, making it a flexible solution.

The TADC applies to the 16-meter VentoFoil 3-Series product design and supports easy integration into DNV-classed vessels without repeating the full design assessment process. This enables shipowners, shipyards, and project teams to move more efficiently from concept to installation, reducing project complexity and accelerating deployment. 

Hasso Hoffmeister, Senior Principal Engineer at DNV Maritime, said: “It is a great pleasure to award Econowind this new certificate. WAPS have been going from strength to strength over the past few years, from 2022 the number of vessels in operation has increased five times, and we’ve now topped the century mark. 

“And with the current advances in technology, materials, and production capacity in the segment, we expect this to accelerate. So, while the wind always changes, the shipping industry is likely to be sailing strong for years to come.”

Econowind expects the DNV Type Approval Design Certificate to accelerate adoption of the VentoFoil, particularly among shipowners seeking proven, independently certified technology that can support fuel savings, emissions reductions, and decarbonization goals.

MS Heinz of HS Schiffahrt is among the first vessels to sail under this TADC.The company said the approval builds on Econowind’s growing installed base and further strengthens confidence in wind-assisted ship propulsion as a practical solution to address energy scarcity and high fuel prices. 

In addition to the 3-Series, Econowind offers the 5-Series for the deep-sea market.

 

Photo credit: Econowind
Published: 17 July, 2026

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Malaysia: Maharani Freeport to implement MFM and e-BDN technologies for enhanced bunkering transparency

Initiatives reflect the Freeport’s commitment to delivering transparency, operational integrity and international best practices across its bunkering ecosystem, says MEG spokesperson.
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July 15, 2026

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MEG 1145 cropped MT

Maharani Freeport, a National Project officially launched by His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, in November 2025, will be introducing mass flowmeter (MFM) and electronic bunker delivery note (e-BDN) technologies to its bunkering operations, learns Manifold Times.

These strategic initiatives underscore the port’s commitment in establishing a highly transparent, efficient and trustworthy bunkering environment, aligned with global best practices and addressing critical industry demands, according to a Maharani Energy Gateway (MEG) spokesperson.

MEG is the Master Developer of Maharani Freeport and seeks to position the Freeport as a strategic nexus for shipment, storage and trading operations on a global scale. MEG Synergy is the trading division and a wholly owned entity of MEG; it seeks to position Maharani Freeport as a strategic nexus for shipment, storage, and trading operations on a global scale.

As part of its long-term bunkering strategy, the Freeport is currently in the process of acquiring bunker vessels of various sizes to support marine fuel deliveries and accommodate the evolving requirements of regional and international customers. These vessels will be equipped with MFM technology to ensure accurate, transparent and efficient fuel transfer operations.

Including bunkering and ship-to-ship (STS) trading operations from its High Sulphur Fuel Oil (HSFO) Floating Storage Unit (FSU), MEG Synergy already oversees a healthy volume of Bunker cargo deliveries to regional players each month.

MFM for Trust, Transparency and Traceability

MEG highlighted the custody transfer of bunker fuels at the Freeport will be handled by MFM-equipped bunker tankers.

“The adoption of MFM technology to support bunkering operations is a direct response to persistent industry challenges such as quantity discrepancies and delivery disputes,” explained the spokesperson.

“By equipping our bunker vessels with certified mass flowmeters, we aim to ensure precise and verifiable fuel delivery measurements.

“This initiative is pivotal in fostering trust among customers and strengthening the Freeport’s reputation as a professionally managed zone where businesses can operate with confidence. The overarching goal is to create a secure and well-governed environment for commercial activities, reducing operational risks and uncertainties while supporting efficient and transparent trade.”

e-BDN to Digitalise Documentation Workflow

The implementation of electronic bunker delivery notes (e-BDN), together with MFM technology, further aligns with the Freeport’s focus on creating comprehensive digital custody transfer records and robust data retention systems, added the spokesperson.

This digital approach, integrated with MFM technology, will streamline operational workflows, reduce administrative burdens and provide an immutable record of transactions to enhance transparency, minimising potential friction and expediting dispute resolution

MEG emphasised that the Freeport’s commitment extends beyond technological enhancements to encompass a comprehensive governance framework.

The port aims to adhere to stringent international standards, including those established by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), while offering dispute resolution mechanisms under the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) to ensure the swift and fair handling of disagreements.

This holistic approach to operational integrity and governance is designed to address perceived transparency gaps, positioning the Freeport as a reliable and commercially attractive hub for the maritime and commodities sectors.

Note: For enquiries in respect of Maharani Freeport, readers may reach out to:

[email protected]

Related: Interview: Maharani Energy Gateway – Forging a new energy nexus in the Straits of Malacca
Related: New Johor bunkering hub: Maharani debuts as Malaysia’s first duty-exempted energy freeport

 

Photo credit: Maharani Energy Gateway
Published: 15 July 2026

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