Technology

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.

Published

5 years ago

April 21, 2021

Admin

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

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

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

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

Digital platform

VPS debuts VeriSphere Webshop, enhancing digital access to marine fuel solutions

Key addition is the MySurveys application, designed to support bunker quantity survey processes by providing detailed insights into quantity losses, density variations, and bunkering performance.

Published

4 days ago

June 26, 2026

Admin

VPS debuts VeriSphere Webshop, enhancing digital access to marine fuel solutions

Marine fuels testing company VPS on Thursday (25 June) announced the launch of its VeriSphere Webshop, a major step forward in the evolution of its digital platform and customer experience.

The new webshop provides customers with direct, self-service access to a growing portfolio of VPS products and services, including digital applications, Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) and sampling equipment; enabling faster, more flexible engagement with VPS’s global offerings.

The VeriSphere Webshop has been designed to simplify how shipowners, operators, and stakeholders across the marine fuel value chain, access critical tools and data. Through a streamlined interface, users can:

Browse and subscribe to VPS digital applications
Purchase services and products directly online
Discover complementary solutions tailored to their operational needs from VPS as well as its ecosystem partners

Alongside the launch of the webshop module, VPS continues to expand the capabilities of its VeriSphere platform, introducing new applications and enhancing existing solutions to deliver deeper operational insights.

A key addition is the MySurveys application, designed to support bunker quantity survey processes by providing detailed insights into quantity losses, density variations, and bunkering performance. This capability represents an important step in the digitalisation of traditionally manual survey processes, enabling greater transparency and benchmarking across operations.

Further enhancements across the platform reinforce VPS’s commitment to delivering actionable, data-driven insights across fuel quality, equipment performance, and operational risk management.

With continuous improvements to applications such as PortStats and the broader VeriSphere suite, VPS is enabling customers to move beyond static reporting toward pro-active operational intelligence.

By combining its extensive global fuel quality database with advanced analytics and digital delivery, VPS aims to empowere its customers to identify risks early, optimise fuel performance, simplify compliance and improve operational efficiency.

Dr. Malcolm Cooper, CEO at VPS, said: “The launch of the VeriSphere Webshop marks an important milestone in our digital journey.

“We are making it easier than ever for our customers to access the data, insights, and tools they need, when they need them. As the maritime industry continues to evolve, our focus is on delivering scalable, digital solutions that drive better decision-making, improve operational performance of vessels, prevent downtime and support the transition towards more sustainable maritime operations.”

VPS added that the VeriSphere Platform will continue to evolve with an expanding portfolio of products, services, and ecosystem partnerships.

Photo credit: VPS
Published: 26 June, 2026

Engine

Eight classification societies oversee successful TAT of Everllence ammonia engine

Everllence announced the successful Type Approval Test of its ME-LGIA ammonia-burning engine at its Research Centre Copenhagen.

Published

1 week ago

June 22, 2026

Admin

Eight classification societies oversee successful TAT of Everllence ammonia engine

Everllence recently announced the successful Type Approval Test (TAT) of its ME-LGIA ammonia-burning engine at its Research Centre Copenhagen (RCC).

Eight classification societies oversaw the testing that took place from 10 to 12 June, marking the latest phase in the engine’s journey towards its market debut.

Bjarne Foldager, Head of Two-Stroke Business, Everllence, said: “The TAT is yet another important step as we definitively move from concept development to seagoing engine operation. It confirms the Everllence B&W ME-LGIA as ready for on-board installation and is the last test before actual sea and gas trials.

“This engine sets new benchmarks in zero-carbon propulsion and digitally connected performance, and has attracted great interest since its development was announced in 2019. It stands testament to Everllence’s unique ability to meet demands and bring innovative fuels to market.”

Everllence officially marketed the ME-LGIA engines at a two-day event in Copenhagen in November 2025. Using the Diesel principle and the well-known, dual-fuel Liquid Gas Injection concept, the engine has a proven track record of several hundred thousand operational hours.

Ole Pyndt Hansen, Senior Vice President, Head of Two-Stroke R&D, Everllence, said: “The TAT is also important in relation to maturing IMO ammonia regulations as it is vital that rules and guidelines are in line with reality to optimise safety onboard vessels.

“This experience comes from industry and the first ammonia-driven ships, which are expected to operate at sea during 2026, will act as compelling input for the development of these guidelines.”

Everllence also noted that the ammonia TAT marked the end of an era with it being the final TAT at the RCC in Copenhagen before the company moves location to outside the city in late-2027.

Photo credit: Everllence
Published: 22 June, 2026

Engine

BeHydro secures LR’s first class approval for 100% hydrogen marine engine

Engine has been developed and tested at ABC Engines’ facility in Ghent and is designed to operate entirely on hydrogen, without the need for pilot fuels.

Published

2 weeks ago

June 19, 2026

Admin

BeHydro secures LR’s first class approval for 100% hydrogen marine engine

Classification society Lloyd’s Register (LR) on Wednesday (17 June) said it has issued the first Type Approval Certificate for a 100% hydrogen-fuelled, spark-ignited marine engine.

The approval has been awarded to the hydrogen engine developed by BeHydro and confirms the design meets LR’s requirements for safety, performance and reliability in marine applications.

The engine has been developed and tested at ABC Engines’ facility in Ghent and is designed to operate entirely on hydrogen, without the need for pilot fuels. This simplifies system design and removes onboard carbon emissions at source, positioning the technology as a practical option for operators exploring zero-carbon propulsion.

Claudene Sharp-Patel, Global Technical Director, Lloyd’s Register, said: “The issue of this Type Approval Certificate demonstrates that hydrogen-fuelled internal combustion engine technology is continuing to mature as a viable option for maritime applications.

“For shipowners and operators, independent certification is essential in building confidence that emerging fuel technologies can meet the industry’s expectations for safety, reliability and operational performance.”

Tim Berckmoes, CEO at ABC Engines, said: “This LRS type approval of our BeHydro 100% hydrogen engines with zero emissions is a confirmation of the future proof technology that BeHydro can offer to innovative shipowners worldwide.

“The 100% hydrogen engine range is available from 900 kW till 2670 kW for different marine applications.”

LR previously awarded Type Approval to BeHydro for its hydrogen-powered dual-fuel engine in 2023, which was the first Type Approval for a dual-fuel hydrogen engine.

Photo credit: Lloyd’s Register
Published: 19 June, 2026