The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) has announced the selection of six partners to trial innovative in-water hull inspection and cleaning solutions in the Port of Singapore. This initiative, part of the Call for Proposals (CFP), aims to enhance shipping efficiency and reduce emissions. The selected partners—Alicia Bots, C-Leanship, Neptune Robotics, Oceanis Robotics, RINA, and SEAHI Robotics—will receive nearly S$3.7m in research and development co-funding from the Maritime Innovation and Technology (MINT) Fund.
The trials will address the issue of marine biofouling, which increases fuel consumption and emissions due to hydrodynamic drag. Singapore, being one of the world’s busiest ports, requires efficient hull cleaning solutions that do not disrupt operations. The trials will focus on developing solutions that can operate reliably in complex conditions, such as handling propellers and rudders, and meeting environmental requirements.
Current commercial solutions face challenges in automation and efficiency, particularly in busy port environments. The selected partners will leverage advancements in robotics and remote operations to overcome these limitations. The trials, set to begin in the second half of 2026, will last 18 months and aim to enable large-scale deployment of these technologies.
MPA will collaborate with industry partners to evaluate the outcomes, ensuring the solutions meet global standards and can be safely deployed. This initiative is part of Singapore’s broader efforts to support maritime decarbonisation and enhance its value proposition as a leading international maritime centre.
