Singapore: The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and PSA Corporation Limited (PSA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to extend their collaboration under the Port Technology Research and Development Programme (PTRDP). The extension of the programme will allow MPA and PSA to continue with research and development (R&D) initiatives to develop next-generation technologies for Singapore’s future container terminal operations.
Under the MOU, MPA will fund the programme an additional S$15m over five years from the Maritime Innovation and Technology Fund (MINT Fund). PSA will provide additional co-funding of up to S$15m over the same period. This will bring the total amount committed towards the programme to S$50m, up from the initial S$20m.
The programme will continue its focus on the key areas of port automation, intelligent planning and control systems, and green port solutions. Relevant concepts inspired from the Next Generation Container Port Challenge in 2012 will also be explored.
Andrew Tan, MPA’s chief executive, said, “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. 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.” [11/04/14]
