The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK), and MTI Co., Ltd. (an NYK Group company) have taken a significant step in advancing maritime technology by conducting a joint workshop on 4 June 2025. The event, held in Singapore, focused on port-to-port Maritime Autonomous Surface Ship (MASS) trials, a key initiative under the MPA-NYK Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2024. This collaboration aims to accelerate efforts in maritime decarbonisation, digitalisation, and manpower development.
The workshop brought together over 60 participants, including representatives from MPA, NYK, MTI, and various industry partners and research institutes such as the Singapore Maritime Institute, ClassNK, Japan Radio Co., and the Technology Centre for Offshore and Marine Singapore. The trials will test the interoperability of autonomous vessels with port-based systems, including MPA’s Vessel Traffic Information System, and will help develop best practices for navigation safety, route planning, fuel consumption, AI-based decision-making, communications, and cybersecurity.
MPA’s Chief Marine Officer, Capt M. Segar, highlighted the importance of the collaboration, stating, “This collaboration provides an important platform for us to test and validate new concepts of operations in Singapore’s port waters.” Hideki Suzuki, President of MTI, echoed this sentiment, noting that the workshop marks a crucial step in developing autonomous navigation systems.
These trials are expected to advance smart, safe, and sustainable autonomous shipping, setting new standards for the maritime industry. The outcomes could significantly impact the future of shipping, enhancing efficiency and safety in one of the world’s busiest ports.
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