The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and the Singapore Maritime Institute (SMI) have on Tuesday launched the new edition of the Singapore Maritime Technology & Research Roadmap to advance maritime innovation, capabilities development.

MPA said in a statement the 2026 roadmap builds on previous foundation, and sharpens the focus on translating research into deployable solutions.

It sets out key areas to strengthen resilience, improve productivity, and catalyze innovation across Singapore’s maritime ecosystem.

Priorities include advancing digital technologies at scale, supporting practical decarbonization pathways, and improving integration across port and shipping operations, while addressing structural constraints such as manpower requirements, and land and sea space limitations.

The roadmap sets out four key areas for action: autonomous port operation; safe and efficient delivery of alternative energy; smart ships, and intelligent and integrated port services.

By defining priority areas, it aligns efforts across the government, research institutions and the industry to accelerate adoption and reduce implementation risks.

Industry partners are encouraged to co-develop and pilot solutions, contribute operational insights, and support the scaling of proven technologies.

Over $100 million will be invested into the research and development (R&D) of the four priority areas over the next five years.

This will build on the more than $500 million in funds that have been allocated to pursue maritime R&D in Singapore over the past 20 years.

The roadmap has been informed by consultations with industry and research stakeholders, including a workshop in 2025 to identify key priorities across near-, medium- and long-term horizons.

According to the statement, the previous roadmap, published in 2019, had set the direction for a more advanced, efficient and sustainable maritime sector, and paved the way for the establishment of maritime Centers of Excellence and the implementation of the Maritime Transformation Program.

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